Dallas leaders release 2022-2023 budget plan
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Dallas' plans for the upcoming fiscal year include more money for policing, environmental sustainability measures and increasing the minimum wage to $18 for city employees.
Driving the news: The city released the budget plan during the weekend and plans to formally introduce it to the City Council on Tuesday.
The big picture: City leaders estimate having $4.5 billion to spend in 2022-2023. The city's general fund for the new fiscal year is expected to bring in $172 million more than the current year.
Details: The proposed 2022-2023 budget includes plans to start the new $2 billion convention center project, which would replace the existing Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center — despite criticism that the move is a "land grab" for local developers.
- Public safety accounts for 60% of Dallas' general fund under the proposed budget, and the city's police and fire departments would get millions more in funding compared to the current year.
Of note: Dallas plans to add a referendum to the Nov. 8 ballot, asking voters to approve collecting 2% more from the hotel tax for 30 years to help pay for the convention center.
- If the referendum is approved, the city would start the hiring process for project management and design. Construction would begin in 2024.
Reality check: Property values are likely to increase in the upcoming year — as they have been in recent years — and could result in higher property taxes for some people.
Zoom in: The minimum wage increase for city employees, from $15.50 to $18 per hour, will kick in next January to help keep up with the rising cost of living in North Texas.
What's next: The budget proposal will be introduced to City Council at 9am today and get input from the public throughout the month. The fiscal year begins in October.