During the recent Cleburne City Council meeting, key discussions centered around the city’s budget priorities for the upcoming years, with a strong focus on infrastructure, public safety, and community services.

One of the primary topics was the ongoing compensation and classification study, which aims to ensure fair pay for city employees. This study has been in progress for over a year, and while costs are still being finalized, it remains a top priority for the council. Alongside this, a modest cost of living increase of approximately 1% for city staff was proposed, reflecting the current economic conditions in the area.

Infrastructure improvements were also highlighted, with plans to continue various road and facility projects. Notably, the council is moving forward with the renovation of the old bank building to create a citizen service center, designed to streamline access to city services for residents.

The proposed tax rates were a significant point of discussion. The council is considering a voter approval rate of 0.61254, which would result in an estimated monthly increase of $4.99 for the average homeowner in Cleburne, whose home value is around $198,000. This rate is intended to support ongoing city projects and services, including public safety enhancements, which are crucial for maintaining community safety and quality of life.

Sales tax revenue is projected to rise, with estimates for 2025 reaching approximately $10.8 million, indicating a positive trend for the city’s financial health. However, the utility fund is expected to see a slight decrease in revenue due to recent rainfall affecting water usage.

Supplemental funding requests were also discussed, with recommendations for about $2.2 million in the general fund for essential projects, including public safety equipment and improvements to community facilities. Additionally, the council reviewed personnel requests, ultimately recommending new positions across various departments to enhance city operations.

As Cleburne continues to grow, these budgetary decisions reflect the council's commitment to addressing community needs and improving the overall quality of life for its residents. The council's next steps will involve further discussions on the proposed tax rates and budget allocations, ensuring that the priorities align with the expectations of the community.