The Fort Worth City Council approved a
budget for the upcoming fiscal year by an 8-1 vote on Tuesday. City spending has been more than the city’s revenues, putting it in debt for the past few years.
The city plans to spend nearly $1.2 billion next year and will cut jobs, restructure departments, and reduce library hours. Although the property tax rates will stay the same at 85.5 cents per $100 of assessed value, many homeowners will see higher taxes because of increased
home values.
The city departments that will be most affected by the budget plans are community relations,
health, economic development, and housing. The city claims that only 170 were affected, but it held true to its promise of helping those workers find other city jobs or providing reinstatements and retirements. Officials say the status of only three employees is still in question.