Big Decisions in Bryan: City Council Approves $526 Million Budget
In a spirited meeting on Tuesday, the Bryan City Council rallied together to unanimously approve its budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The council plans to allocate over 526 million dollars to various city services, with a significant portion dedicated to keeping residents safe through resources like police and fire departments.
Growing City, Growing Needs
The council recognized that Bryan is growing at a remarkable pace. Council Member Marca Ewers-Shurtleff emphasized the community’s need for prioritizing safety, saying, “We’re growing at a really quick rate, and we’ve heard everybody here today say that we all know ultimately our obligation to keep our citizens safe, and primarily that’s through fire, that’s through police.” This focus on safety resonates with the community as they strive to maintain the quality of life for all residents.
The approved budget will ensure that the necessary resources are available, allowing both the police and fire departments to continue their important work. With this approval, citizens can feel reassured that their safety is the top priority for the council.
Tax Rate Holds Steady
The council also addressed the city’s tax rate, which remains unchanged from the previous year at $0.624 per $100 of property valuation. This decision was part of a broader presentation of the budget plan and will be officially ratified at a special meeting set for September 17.
Despite the tax rate not increasing, the city expects to bring in over 7% more revenue compared to the past year. Mayor Bobby Gutierrez noted, “We know that costs are increasing for everybody, that includes the city.” This slight increase in revenue is anticipated to help the city cope with rising expenses while keeping the financial burden on residents steady.
Resident Concerns Over New Gas Station
Voicing their concerns about potential traffic congestion and safety issues, residents passionately urged the council to overturn the commission’s decision. One speaker, Brandi Burkett, articulated the community’s sentiments, expressing that “the site must be developed in a way that is detrimental to the quality of life for our residents.”
After hearing from the concerned residents, the Bryan City Council responded to their pleas and voted unanimously to overturn the Planning and Zoning Commission’s initial approval of the gas station. This decision highlights the council’s commitment to listening and responding to the needs and worries of Bryan residents.
Looking Ahead
As the city continues to grow, the council’s recent decisions reflect its dedication to balancing development with the safety and well-being of its citizens. With a solid budget in place and a keen ear for community concerns, Bryan is taking steps to ensure a bright future for its residents.
Moving forward, residents can look forward to the upcoming special meeting on September 17, where the tax rate will be officially ratified. With active community involvement and strong leadership, Bryan is well on its way to maintaining its vibrant, safe environment even as it grows.
