City of Tyler proposes budget

TYLER — The City of Tyler is proposing a Fiscal Year 2022 budget focused on improved services and public safety, according to a news release. The proposed budget of $212 million is an increase of 5%, or $10 million, from last year’s total of $202 million. The City will spend $21 million on capital projects paid for in cash by the half-cent sales tax fund, according to the release. The proposed property tax rate will be .2699 cents per $100 valuation, a 1.09 cent increase from the prior year’s rate. The increase is expected to yield $1.73 million and will provide the addition of two new police officers: a homeless coordinator position and a digital forensic specialist. It will also fund two new firefighters as well as improved personal protective equipment and a new Fire Station 10 tower truck for firefighting and security, according to the release.

No increases for water or sewer base rates are proposed for this budget cycle. However, a regulatory compliance fee increase of $2.21 is deemed necessary to service the debt on the rehabilitation of Tyler’s sanitary sewer system. Residential solid waste fees will also increase by $2.50 to a total of $19.54 for twice-weekly collection. Public input will be taken at two upcoming City Council meetings: Wednesday, Sept. 8, and Wednesday, Sept. 22, at 9 a.m. Final adoption is scheduled for the Sept. 22 meeting.