|
Welcome to the Buzz
The "Bedford Buzz" e-newsletter is a publication of the Bedford Communications Division. If you have any questions about the Buzz, please email public.info@bedfordtx.gov.
|
|
During the September 10 City Council meeting, the Mayor and Council members unanimously approved a tax rate of 0.495726 per $100 assessed valuation for the upcoming 2024-2025 Fiscal Year, which starts October 1. This is the same tax rate as the past two fiscal years. It was lowered to its current rate in September 2022, when the Council approved a 10 percent decrease in the rate, making it the lowest rate since 2017.
During the meeting, the Mayor and Council also unanimously approved the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year budget. The total proposed budget is approximately $97.6 million and includes capital purchases, street improvement and maintenance projects, expanded programs/services, and much more.
Some highlights of the upcoming budget year include:
- Continuation of the public safety step pay plan (police and fire personnel)
- A 3 percent cost of living adjustment for all non-sworn employees on October 1
- Operations costs and additional staff for the new senior center, which will open by the end of 2024
- Increased flock cameras for the Police Department
- New Christmas Tree and decorations for the City
- Ambulance remount for the Fire Department
- Increased funding for Library for Digital Content and Events/Programs
Additionally, the approved budget will allow the City to remain ahead of schedule in paying off debt, while maintaining healthy reserves.
For more information and an in-depth look at the FY 2024-2025 budget and tax rate, please visit www.bedfordtx.gov/budget.
|
|
|
Citing the City’s economic growth, conservative budgeting practices, and a strong fund balance, Standard and Poor’s rating agency recently reaffirmed the City’s AA+ Bond Rating. This is the first time S&P reaffirmed the rating, since elevating it to its current AA+ status in May 2023. Since then, the City has saved an estimated $900,000 in interest over the last three Certificates of Obligation issuances.
"Standard & Poor's reaffirmation is a testament to Bedford's strong economic growth and sound financial management,” said Bedford Mayor Dan Cogan. “By consistently ensuring revenues exceed expenditures and making wise decisions to cash fund projects when possible, we've kept our debt manageable and our future bright. This recognition reflects the dedication of our team to follow national best practices in financial management, and supports Bedford's forward progress.”
According to S&P, the reaffirmation reflects the “very strong” economy in Bedford, which has experienced an average of 6.8% annual growth over the past five years driven by new development and commercial redevelopment. Officials anticipate another five percent added tax value in FY 2024-2025 and an additional three percent the following year.
“City employees are dedicated to finding cost-effective ways to serve our community, while maintaining or improving service levels and standards,” said City Manager Andrea Roy. "This bond rating is crucial for maximizing every dollar as we plan for upcoming capital projects."
To view the entire rating report, please visit https://www.standardandpoors.com.
|
The corner of Central Drive and the Highway 121/183 access road is starting to look a little different! And y’all are in for a treat – we have some timeline updates on when two of the three businesses on this property will open!
Andy's Frozen Custard is estimated to complete construction by the end of October, with an anticipated opening mid-November.
Bojangles anticipates construction to be complete by the end of November, with an opening date hopefully by mid-December.
|
How can I help? That’s a common question people ask after a disaster. For those with the time, talent, and training, becoming a member of your local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), is the answer.
Bedford is proud to have a well-developed CERT program, and there's always room for more members. If you’re interested in joining the Bedford CERT, make sure and sign up soon! The next CERT Training class is described below. This is a compressed version over three days, instead of once a week for 10 weeks as in the past. All three days are required to attend.
Dates and Times
Friday, November 1: 6 to 10 p.m.
Saturday, November 2: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, November 3: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location
City Hall, Building C, 1805 L Don Dodson Rd.
Cost
The class is free. We provide lunch for both days for $25 or you may bring your own.
Registration
This class is being jointly taught by the Bedford, Euless, and Hurst teams and will be completed in just three days. Registration is required by Monday, October 21.
|
 Bedford, we need your help! This fall, the City will be unveiling a new sculpture within Generations Park at Boys Ranch, and we want YOU to help us name it!
Designed by Dallas artist Jessica Bell, the sculpture will include three 10-foot-tall green branches of leaves, that curve downward. At the base of the leaves, there will be several blue sculptural rocks for people to sit on, with solar lights spotlighting the sculpture at night. The leaves will have small holes in them, that will create small rays of light on the sitting area. The sculpture will be located in the rock circle (sometimes referred to as “Bedford Stonehenge”) near the lake pavilion within Generations Park at Boys Ranch.
The City has narrowed it down to three potential names for the sculpture:
- Forged Oasis
- Green Serenity
- The Garden Grove
Now through 5 p.m. on Friday, October 4, please visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/N75VDX3 to select your choice for the sculpture’s new name!
The winning name will be revealed during the sculpture’s unveiling ceremony on Monday, October 14 at 10:30 a.m., near the lake pavilion within the park (2801 Forest Ridge Dr.). All residents are invited to attend the ceremony, which will include refreshments afterwards.
|
|
Bedford Communications Recognized Nationally
The Bedford Communications Division recently earned four national awards at the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA) awards luncheon. The team was honored for the following projects:
- First Place (Savvy Award): Regularly-Scheduled Programming - Bedford Police Recruiting Video Series
- Second Place: Photography (Multi-Image Use) - Bedford’s event and scenic shot photography work
- Third Place: Best Use of Social Media (Campaign) – Bedford Beats and Eats Fest
- Third Place: Best Use of Social Media (Overall Strategy) – Bedford Instagram Reels
In addition, the Bedford Police Recruiting Video Series was nominated for a Diamond Award, which are given to the best of the best in each overall award category. This is the first time Bedford has ever been nominated for a Diamond Award!
The Savvy Awards recognize outstanding local government achievements in communications, public-sector marketing, and resident-government relationships. This year, there were more than 1,100 entries in 38 categories.
|
Senior Center Construction Update
 Construction on the City’s new Senior Center (3524 Central Dr.) is well underway, and crews are making progress daily on the facility!
The majority of the new walls are in place, the restroom area is nearing completion, and crews are beginning to paint the exterior brick. In addition, crews are preparing the concrete floors for new flooring to be installed in the coming weeks.
Even better news? The project is still on track and we anticipate all construction wrapping up before the end of the year!
Watch for additional updates on a new “Beyond the Fence” video giving you a behind-the-scenes perspective of the work on the City's YouTube channel around mid-October.
|
|
Realtor.com recently listed Bedford’s 76021 zip code as one of the country’s hottest U.S. housing markets in 2024! 🏡 Coming in at No. 37 on the list, rankings are based on market demand and how many days a listing remains active on Realtor.com. Read the article.
|
|
|
Fall Concert Series feat. Hard Nights Day – Friday, October 4
Bring the family out to Generations Park at Boys Ranch (2801 Forest Ridge Dr.) from 6 to 9 p.m. for lawn games, food trucks, and music from Hard Nights Day, The Beatles tribute band. All ages are welcome. Live music will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Pumpkin Patch Opens - Tuesday, October 8
What’s fall without a pumpkin patch?! Stop by the Bedford Library Pumpkin Patch from October 8-31 to pick out your favorite pumpkin and grab some fall pictures with the family. Patch hours and pumpkin prices will be available soon on the City of Bedford website.
Paper Shred Day - Saturday, October 12
From 8 to 11 a.m., Bedford residents can take their old documents to be securely shredded and recycled at the Meadow Park Athletic Complex. In addition, residents can drop off their electronic waste (old computers, printers, etc.) at the event, as well.
Bedford Fire Department Open House - Saturday, October 12
Meet your Bedford firefighters, tour a fire truck, watch as crews demonstrate a vehicle extrication, use a fire hose, and more from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Central Fire Station.
Murder Mystery Dinner - Friday, October 18
Participants will become sleuths as they try and put together clues to solve the mystery of “who dunnit” during the Midnight at the Masquerade-themed event from 6 to 9 p.m. at Turning Point Beer. A full course meal and two drinks are included in the ticket registration. Register online at https://www.bedfordtx.gov/events.
Beer, Brats, and More - Saturday, October 19
This annual and free outdoor party will take place from 3 to 9 p.m. at the Bedford Public Library and will feature live music, a variety of Texas craft beers, and food trucks selling brats, sweets, and more.
Bedford Boo Bash - Saturday, October 26
Parks and Recreation is taking over Generations Park at Boys Ranch from 5 to 8 p.m. for an evening of treat stations, bounce houses, market vendors, crafts, food trucks, and more.
Halloween Goat Yoga - Sunday, October 27
Get your yoga on in the Pumpkin Patch while a tribe of goats in Halloween costumes graze and jump around (or on) you from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Bedford Public Library Pumpkin Patch. Costumes are encouraged! Tickets are required and can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/3NiGLjv.
Library Trick-or-Treat - Thursday, October 31
Kids and teens, stop by the Bedford Public Library from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. to trick-or-treat with your favorite Library staff, while supplies last.
|
|
Do you have a general question related to code enforcement, economic development, trash/recycling, parks, etc.? Ask us! Each month, we’ll feature at least one question from “Bedford Buzz” subscribers from the previous issue. Submit your questions at www.bedfordtx.gov/questions.
QUESTION: In the past the requirements for the front door was "metal", no wood. Now companies are selling a "fiberglass" front door. Is that allowed in Bedford?
ANSWER: There is nothing in the City's Code of Ordinances that states a specific type of front door is prohibited.
QUESTION: Can you help raise awareness to the increasing problem with littering in Bedford? Perhaps the city can ask the Police for help? I recommend starting in the Central & Harwood area as Walgreens always has litter. Someone left an entire windshield in the grass in front of the car wash at Central & L Don Dodson. Thank you.
ANSWER: No one likes a litterbug! If you see an area on private property that has a lot of litter, please submit a report to the City's Neighborhood Services (Code Enforcement) Division at https://www.bedfordtx.gov/code. In addition, be on the lookout for the City's Fall Sweep where volunteers help pick-up litter in public areas. This is a great event, and perfect for those looking for volunteer opportunities.
QUESTION: Why does Bedford no longer have spring and summer flowers at Generations Park or the Library? A few years ago everyone enjoyed seeing the flowers and plants in both areas and now there is only black mulch? Other cities have flowers and greenery in their public parks.....why not Bedford?
ANSWER: This was an oversight and the City plans to reinstate this practice in 2025.
|
|
|
Resident Photo of the Month
 CREDIT: Steven Willis (City of Bedford Building Inspector)
A beautiful Bedford sunrise.
---
Have a photo of you enjoying Bedford? Whether it’s enjoying Generations Park at Boys Ranch or in your own backyard, send your best shot to public.info@bedfordtx.gov and it could be featured in an upcoming issue of “Bedford Buzz.” Please make sure your photo is family-friendly, recently taken in Bedford, and everyone prominently featured in the photo is OK with becoming Buzz-worthy.
|
|
|
|
|
