Reimagining and Realigning for Results Delivers Tax Relief for Residents

The Fiscal Year 2024-25 total operating and capital budget totals $4.97 billion compared to the total budget for the current year which totals $4.63 billion. Of that total, the General Fund is $1.9 billion, which is $65.1 million, or 3.5 percent more than the budget adopted by the City Council last September.   

Public Safety remains a top priority for the City of Dallas. The combined budget for the Dallas Police Department and Dallas Fire Rescue increased by $78 million to fulfill commitments made to our first responders. This budget reflects a reimaging of service delivery, including eliminating duplications, identifying efficiencies, and other measures that do not significantly affect service to residents.  

Property taxes account for roughly 57 percent of the General Fund Revenue.  With continued growth in property values, this budget includes a property tax rate reduction for the ninth year in a row by 3.10¢.  The property tax rate reduction for FY 2024-25 is the largest single-year reduction in modern history. This will lower the property tax rate from 73.57¢ to 70.47¢ per $100 valuation. The 3.10¢ tax rate reduction in FY 2024-25 results in $65.6 million in revenue foregone. Additionally, for the sixth time since 2017, we have increased the property tax exemption for residents who are age 65 and over or living with a disability, from $139,400 to $153,400.

“Our City of Dallas team and I took a fresh look at how we do business at the City. We have developed a budget that is focused and mindful of every tax dollar we spend, while addressing the needs of our residents and the priorities of the Dallas City Council,” said Interim Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert. “We are proud to deliver the largest tax rate reduction in Dallas’ modern history without compromising our commitment to delivering Service First with the urgency of Now! And, we cannot stop there, we must be diligent to continuously improve. We will Reset, Revisit, and Raise the Bar for the next budget cycle and beyond.”

Budget Highlights: 

• Invest $44.1 million to provide market-based compensation and step increases in accordance with the Meet and Confer Agreement for uniform employees. 

• Keep Dallas safe by hiring 250 police recruits and implementing an incentive program to retain officers. 

• Enhance the fire department staffing model by adding 63 firefighters and four Single Function Paramedics to strengthen response to medical calls. 

• Ensure the fiscal soundness of both the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System (DPFPS) and the Employee Retirement Fund (ERF) with increased City contributions. 

• Continue partnership for the R.E.A.L. Time Rehousing (RTR) program to reduce unsheltered homelessness. 

• Invest $124 million in funding for street improvement and maintenance of approximately 676 lane miles, alley maintenance, sidewalk projects, bridge maintenance, and updating paving model to support quality modes of transportation. 

• Invest $26.2 million to address City facility maintenance needs. 

• Launch Clean Sweep! a proactive Citywide program to keep public right-of-way clean. 

To learn more about the budget visit Dallas.gov/budget.   

To hear more about the budget from Interim City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert visit FY 2024-25 Budget

Budget Town Hall Meetings 

The city is asking for feedback from residents about the proposed budget. Dallas City Council Members will hold Budget Town Hall Meetings in the month of August, in a variety of formats: virtual, Tele-Town Hall, and in-person. The full schedule of meetings and more information about how to participate are available at dal.city/dallasbudgettownhall 

If you plan to attend one of the in-person meetings, please check the event calendar the day of and follow your Council Member’s social media channels for changes or updates.  

City Hall in Action 

The City is showcasing services and resources for resident engagement around how the City’s budget is used throughout the fiscal year. City Hall in Action is partnering with two events in recognition of community support. For more information about how to participate can be found at dal.city/budgetengagement.

Budget 101 Animated Videos 

As crucial as a city budget is when it comes to providing basic services to residents, it can be a bit intimidating. The terminology, big numbers, and all the charts and graphs can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The City produced three short animated videos in English and Spanish that explain the budget in its simplest form. The videos will be accessible here, including language access and closed caption options: bit.ly/cityofdallastv and YouTube.com/CityOfDallasCityHall.  The topics are: 

• Budget 101 – Budgeting Basics 

• Budget 101 – Where Does The Money Come From 

• Budget 101 – Where Does The Money Go?