Dallas city leaders approved a $5.66 billion budget following a 14-hour debate and multiple revisions. The measure passed with a 10-5 vote and takes effect on October 1. Council members expressed differing views on the spending priorities and necessary cuts included in the final plan.
The budget allocates an additional $82.3 million for police and fire services, which includes funding to add 750 police officers over the next two years. Starting pay for Dallas police officers will rise to $83,822. The city also set aside $142.8 million for street improvements, with plans to maintain or upgrade 800 lane miles.
Council member Jesse Moreno stated that the plan continues to invest in public safety, parks, libraries, and city employees.
Despite these increases, the budget includes 108 layoffs of city workers. Council member Adam Bazaldua argued that the final spending plan did not align with the priorities identified by residents. He noted that while the city asked residents about their needs, those specific areas were not the primary focus of the funding.
The property tax rate will decrease from 69.88 cents to 69.78 cents per $100 of valuation, marking the 11th consecutive annual reduction. District 1 council member Chad West explained that the city faced financial challenges, including stagnant property values, and had to find $50 million in cuts to cover required increases in police pay.
West indicated that the average resident is unlikely to see major changes in city services as a result of the new budget.
