Transcript

We open on an early morning in the city of Mansfield. Quiet, peaceful. Serene. But not everything's standing still. It's 8 a.m. when we see our first movement. A patrol car. The Mansfield Police Department is constantly working to keep the city safe. With additional funding in the fiscal year 2026 budget for five more patrol officers, the department should grow with a growing community. They'll also have the tools to do the job with new patrol cars, a SWAT truck, a watchtower, vehicle barriers, and a crime scene and vehicle crash mapping system, all in the name of safety. The people of this beautiful community in North Texas rely on their local government to provide safety, fresh water, infrastructure and more to ensure the city can deliver noteworthy essentials. While being responsible of taxpayer dollars, staff develop an annual budget. Let's look at the magic in the creation of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget. Every city employee has their expertise, but City Hall is home to all. In this facility, staff bring their knowledge and work together to achieve marvelous things. One such occasion is the development of the budget. Man is one of the few creatures on this planet that can use tools. Here we see him using a slide deck to present that the city of Mansfield represents just a portion of the taxpayer's total tax bill. This money is used to pay for all the services residents expect. Now, the City Council directs the Chief Financial Officer to provide additional tax relief for homeowners by decreasing the tax rate to 0.6390 per $100 of valuation. This is the lowest tax rate the city has seen in ages. Property tax help also comes in the form of the homestead exemption, which will remain steady at 16%. Mansfield remains exceptionally poised to provide homeowners relief. To understand the value of the budget, we must travel through the city. Across Mansfield city limits are shifts of firefighters at five different stations. They remain with their flock for 48 hours before returning to their families. Down at Station #2, we can find firefighters working hard to improve their coordination and keep their reflexes sharp. A quick take off is crucial. In order to make sure we have enough guardians every day, The fire department will add four new personnel, including an EMS supply coordinator and logistics specialist. The firefighters will also have to acquaint themselves with new training and rescue tools, air packs, ventilator devices, and a battalion vehicle, ambulance and fire truck. We have another habitat to explore. As we fly over Mansfield Streets, you can witness thousands of cars driving through the city a day, and the roads network expanding to keep up. The city has 13 major roadway improvement projects scheduled for this fiscal year. Motorists won't have to look hard to find improvements happening on West Hill Parkway, Broad Street, Heritage Parkway, North Street, and more, adding up to a $33,952,970 investment. Water. The stuff of life. It's vital to our existence and why the city is spending more than $42 million on water and wastewater projects. These investments include new water mains, storage tanks, and more. Us humans aren't the only ones getting to have fun. A new animal shelter. It will feature 130 living areas for dogs, 135 cat kennels, medical facilities with extra recovery kennels and designated spaces for community outreach and education. There will also be a play yard, to help adopters meet their potential pets. Play and exercise isn't just for kids either. Many adults find solace, fitness, and joy in getting outdoors. Thankfully, Mansfield has plenty of parks and recreational spaces for everyone to enjoy. This year, the City of Mansfield is investing over $22 million into its parks. These improvements include the continued improvements to Katherine Rose Park to become a true destination. Major changes are happening at James McKnight Park West, with more than $2 million in improvements. That's not all. With $5,150,000 set aside for our trails, the dream of being able to walk, run, or bike across Mansfield is closer to becoming reality. The growth and life continues to flourish in this community. From public safety to fun all round, the city never stops working to maintain the health and well-being of its habitat. And with this year's budget, they make sure the ecosystem is getting the resources it needs to thrive. Here we see the Chief Financial Officer in a receptive posture as he receives direction from the leadership called the City Council. Alphas are forged through rigorous competition and rituals. By playing, these youngsters build strength, coordination and social bonds. All of this back and forth is necessary for the city to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. The process ensures that city services remain at an exceptional level A new enrichment opportunity being added to Mansfield is for the feria among us. This will be the place to get care and shelter until these pups find their forever home and become the alpha they were always meant to be.