Edinburg Council Approves $164.5M Balanced 2024-25 Budget, Keeps Same Tax Rate
Staff Report
EDINBURG — The Edinburg City Council unanimously approved a balanced budget totaling $164,509,351 for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, reaffirming the city’s commitment to financial stability, infrastructure improvements, and community-driven growth.
Adopted during a September 17 meeting, the budget maintains the property tax rate at $0.6300 per $100 of assessed valuation, the lowest recorded rate since 1991. This decision aims to provide financial relief to residents while continuing to fund critical priorities for the city.
Key Budget Priorities
The budget places a strong focus on infrastructure, with more than $2 million allocated for street improvements and repairs, continuing a trend of enhancing local roadways. Over the past two years, 38.35 lane miles have been paved, and an additional 16 lane miles are budgeted for the coming year. To further support these efforts, the street crew will be expanded with four new personnel.
The budget also dedicates $2.76 million for utility system upgrades and more than $500,000 for drainage improvements, addressing essential public services and the city’s future needs.
In recognition of the city’s workforce, the budget includes a three percent pay adjustment for all civil and non-civil service employees. Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. praised city staff for their contributions.
“This balanced budget not only reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility but also ensures that our community continues to thrive,” Garza said. “This takes a lot of work, and I am incredibly proud of our team’s dedication and careful planning, which allows us to provide the essential services our residents rely on.”
Long-Term Investments and Planning
The city’s financial plan also sets aside $7.2 million for projects based on recommendations from the Edinburg 2040 committees. This investment demonstrates the city’s dedication to long-term growth and strategic planning, with the budget reflecting input from residents during workshops held since May.
Among the key recommendations are promoting water conservation in schools, ensuring affordable broadband access, and enhancing connectivity through hike-and-bike trails linking Edinburg to neighboring communities. Additional public safety measures include improved disaster preparedness education and increased traffic enforcement.
Garza highlighted the importance of these long-term investments in shaping Edinburg’s future. “Our 2040 committees have worked tirelessly with the community to create a vision for Edinburg that is forward-thinking and inclusive, and this budget reflects that vision,” he said.
Other Budget Highlights
The city will also invest $100,000 in lighting improvements and $30,000 for sidewalk repairs, ensuring safer and better-lit public spaces. The Parks Department is updating its master plan to prepare for future growth and is actively pursuing grants for park improvements and the development of a new sports complex.
With the new budget, the City of Edinburg aims to maintain a healthy fund balance, with the General Fund projected to reach $21,935,923 by the end of the fiscal year, representing 25% of budgeted operating expenditures.
“This budget ensures we can meet the current and future needs of our community while maintaining strong financial health,” Garza added.
Source: City of Edinburg