City of Tyler's proposed budget focuses on expanding public safety

As the City of Tyler grows so does the importance of public safety. In the City of Tyler's proposed Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget, Police and Fire funding account for the largest areas of General Fund spending. The City will also be expanding other public safety initiatives for substandard buildings.

"Public safety is always our top priority," said Mayor Don Warren. "I'm pleased to see staff proposing these initiatives."

The Tyler Police Department will receive $34 million. The proposal will also provide a $2.6 million increase in funding over five years for new body cameras and tasers for every police officer, cloud-based video storage software, video technology systems for every police vehicle, handgun replacements and more.

Video technology additions will allow police officers to capture and protect accident and crime-scene evidence. This investment ensures all Tyler Police Officers have the most up-to-date technology to document interactions with the community.

"Technology continues to evolve and plays a bigger role in community policing each year," said City Manager Ed Broussard. "The Tyler Police Department was one of the first departments in the State to adopt body camera technology over a decade ago. This spending will ensure we continue to lead the State in transparent policing."

The Tyler Fire Department will receive $23 million with $1.6 million increase dedicated for two new firefighters, two fire engines and facility updates to the roofs of Fire Station 6 and Fire Headquarters. These additions will help Fire maintain its Class 1 rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO).

In 2021, the Fire Department received a Class 1 rating from the ISO. The ISO ratings assess the readiness of local fire departments by classifying a community's ability to suppress a fire and puts Tyler Fire in the top two percent of all rated fire departments in Texas and the top one percent of about 46,000 communities in the U.S. This improved score led to a reduction in insurance premiums for both residents and businesses within the City.

The City also plans to allocate a 5% pay increase for Police Officers and Firefighters, who make up 43% of the City's workforce.

"Our pay structure must keep pace with our neighboring communities and that we have our pick of the best candidates out there," said Warren. "Investing in our people, especially law enforcement, is one of the most important investments we will make as a community."

To transform blighted areas, the City has committed $200,000 to begin removing substandard structures. This will be the first time the City has allocated money to remove commercial buildings. The funds will cover the demolition of one large building or 7 to 10 smaller ones. Buildings will be prioritized by public safety concerns.

"With the cooperation of Neighborhood Services, Code Enforcement and Building Inspections, we have identified structures that are a safety hazard," said Tyler Police Chief Jimmy Toler. "Hopefully this program will encourage property owners to revitalize their buildings or work with the City to demolish and allow for future development."

This budget also proposes a new, lower tax rate of $0.261850. The City of Tyler remains the lowest tax rate of any city in Smith County and the lowest among Texas cities with populations greater than 15,000. The taxable values in Tyler for FY 2023 will bring in about $26.8 million in property taxes, which is a $2 million increase from last year.

If adopted, the property tax rate will be allocated to the expansion of public safety services.

Opportunities for public input on the budget are available by attending one of two Council meetings at Tyler City Hall, 212 N. Bonner Ave. on the following dates:

• Wednesday, Aug. 24 at 9 a.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 9 a.m.

The budget's final adoption is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Sept. 14 meeting at Tyler City Hall.

To view the entire budget presentation, proposed tax rate and property tax calculator, visit www.CityofTyler.org.

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