Allen residents will continue benefiting from one of the lowest property tax rates in Collin County.
Allen City Council voted to lower the city’s property tax rate by more than one cent during the September 11 meeting, down from $0.510 to $0.498 per $100 of appraised value. New properties and higher appraisals still added $3.25 million in property tax revenue. This increase allows the City to maintain quality services, programs and facilities for its growing population and business community, as reflected in the $220.73 million annual budget also approved by City Council.
The budget includes $1.6 million in street and sidewalk maintenance, $267,274 in new library materials, $140,000 for storm siren upgrades and $25,000 to train I.T. employees in 3D GIS technology. It also covers the cost of new staff—the equivalent of 20 full-time positions—to help maintain new parks, patrol city streets, prevent fires, improve community integrity and communicate more effectively with Allen residents. The new positions will help Allen maintain a ratio of approximately eight city employees for every 1,000 residents.
Police, fire and EMS services will be responsible for the biggest chunk (41%) of the City’s general fund spending next year—including ten new positions in the Police and Fire departments. Culture and recreation, including parks and library operations, is next in line at 27%. The remainder covers public works, community development and general government.
Allen City Council held two public hearings on the budget and property tax rate prior to the September 11 meeting. The new fiscal year will begin on October 1.