The Arlington City Council approved the $597 million Fiscal Year 2023 operating budget, which includes the largest property tax rate reduction in the past 30 years, and increases for residents’ water rate, the garbage collection rate and stormwater fee.

Plans for next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, include investments in public safety, city streets, buildings and other public infrastructure, and support for Arlington’s award-winning parks and recreation amenities. This includes new playgrounds, smoother parking lots for park patrons and money to make sure parks services are equitably accessible for residents. Click here to see budget highlights.

The City Council also voted to lower the Arlington’s property tax rate for a seventh consecutive year – this time by two pennies. The City’s property tax rate, which is currently $0.6198 per $100 of assessed value, will be $0.5998 per $100 of assessed value.

The Council also reauthorized a variety of residential property tax exemptions, including the largest homestead exemption by state law of 20% of the property value. The City also offers a senior tax freeze as well as $60,000 exemptions for those who are over 65, disabled veterans and disabled persons. Exemptions are also available to surviving spouses of U.S. Armed Forces members and first responders who are killed in action. Seniors over the age of 65 in Arlington may also be eligible to defer payments.

The City’s budget and business plan is built around supporting the City Council's six priorities: Build Unity, Champion Great Neighborhoods, Support Youth and Families, Invest in Our Economy, Enhance Regional Mobility and Leverage Technology.

Arlington strives to provide quality services and amenities to its residents, visitors and business community at the lowest possible cost.

Arlington Water Utilities will continue to have some of the lowest water and sewer rates in North Texas when new rates for Fiscal Year 2023 go into effect on Oct. 1, 2022. Rate changes for Fiscal Year 2023 are primarily related to increases in debt service, chemical and equipment costs, and other costs associated with operating the utility. The average residential water and sewer bill will increase by about $1.18 a month, or by about 2.02%. Commercial customers who use 50,000 gallons of water and 50,000 gallons of wastewater will pay an additional $32.04 or 5.26% each month.

 In September 2020, the Arlington City Council approved an ordinance change that allows Arlington Water Utilities to reward customers with excellent payment histories by refunding their city services account deposit as a credit on their bills. Residential customers become eligible for this credit when their bill has been paid on time for 12 consecutive months. More than $1.89 million in deposits has been refunded to customers under this policy since October 2020.

 The Arlington City Council has authorized $3,839,559 from the Water/Wastewater Rate Stabilization Fund to be used to cover cost increases in chemicals used to treat raw water. This action prevents those costs from being included in 2023 rate increases for customers.

 Driven by fuel and wage increases, the garbage collection rate will increase by $3.29 per month increase starting Oct. 1. The stormwater rate will also increase fifty cents per month.

• Related article: Arlington City Council Takes First Look at Proposed FY23 Operating Budget