City council approves budget and tax rate

The Gatesville City Council voted unanimously to pass the proposed budget and tax rate for the fiscal year 2024-2025 during a regular meeting on Tuesday.

Approved at $28.5 million, the budget decreases spending by approximately $1.7 million from last year’s budget. The tax rate is set at 0.5600 cents per $100 valuation – the same tax rate as last year.

Although the tax rate remains the same, it will raise taxes by approximately 3.77% since it is higher than the no-new revenue rate of 0.539678 cents. The Coryell County Tax Assessor Collector calculates the no-new revenue rate, which is determined by property values. 

This year’s budget includes wage adjustments for most employees.

“My staff, department heads, and I appreciate Mayor Chumley’s and all of Council’s input and support in the budget process,” City Manager Brad Hunt said in an email.  

Hunt shared the city’s goals for the upcoming coming fiscal year, which include:

• Improve service levels as funding allows within a balanced budget.
• Ensure employees are adequately compensated and ensure retention and recruitment goals are met.
• Maximize grant funding to improve city infrastructure and community resources.
• Ensure the city planning, permitting, and zoning functions align with potential growth opportunities, both short - and long term.

The budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year will begin on Oct. 1 and end on Sept. 30, 2025.