Cities and counties across the state and nation are facing tighter budgets this year. The failures in the housing and credit markets have decreased the property base and the resultant property taxes. An article in the Business section of today's Dallas Morning News shows home sales down in almost every sector of the Metroplex. Prices in the older cities are down, too. Garland sales show to be down 22% and values down 9%. The median price for Garland homes is much lower than all the cities near us, except Mesquite.
 
The figures are not exactly accurate because some of our nicest neighborhoods are counted with Richardson since the divisions are determined by the North Texas Real Estate Information Systems. Still, the measures do show the challenges we face as we move closer to our budgeting process.
 
This year is different than Garland has witnessed in many, many years — maybe ever. Two years ago I pushed for more cuts to hold the tax rate. I received pushback from the Council and staff, "Well, what cuts do you want?" I argued then and since that we can't do a good job of budgeting by Council members reaching into a hat of their least favorite departments and pulling out an arbitrary number. I've spurned that feint each time it has been thrust.
 
At the Retreat in June, the Council made it clear that there were no sacred cows, everything was on the table for discussion and possible cuts — everything.
 
I'm confident there will once again not be an increase in the Operations & Maintenance budget. Staff has pared $5 million from operations. Every department has exhibited exemplary effort to trim and scale back to make the goals.
 
The anticipated savings in the O&M budget will involve policy changes and management cuts.
 
If there is an increase in the tax rate, the pressure will come on the debt side where the approval of the Capital Improvement Program budget by a 7-2 vote in February requires additional monies for the almost $200 million increase in borrowing and spending (see story inset), adding to our already oversized debt that is much the consequence of overspending by some previous councils, including spending reserve amounts that residents had to replenish.
 
Expect to see unfilled positions eliminated, overtime reduced, new policies on take-home vehicles, and retirement program changes. Departments are suggesting major changes that will refocus service efforts, many that better position the city as it ages and transitions.
 
The budgeting process this year represents a retooling and re-orientation for the challenges of tight budgets for the next few years. I will focus, as I have since being elected, on Growing the City, putting our scarce resources where they bring the greatest return value, where we encourage investment and property appreciation. Until we succeed in that task, we can't afford the quality of life projects that so define and augment a community.
 
Trimming $5 million, or more, will involve some pains but we as a city will be strengthened for the years ahead.