Council Continues FY 25/26 Budget Discussions; Receives Survey Results & Safe Routes to School Plans

At the July 22 meeting, City Council continued the FY 2025-26 Budget discussion with a presentation from staff on Special Revenue Funds. Further budget discussions will take place through August and September.

The Council received the Facilities Development annual report from the Highland Village Community Development Corporation (HVCDC), which includes a review of the previous year's accomplishments and the planned activities for the upcoming budget year. The HVCDC provides direction on the use of the 4B sales tax dollars for the funding of approved projects concerning the City's comprehensive trail system and a soccer complex. Over the last several years, the primary emphasis has been to fully determine operational costs associated with Doubletree Ranch Park and build working capital balances. Substantial progress has been made with both matters. Projected ending fund balance for FY 2025 will exceed $2.4M, a substantial increase from recent years, primarily resulting from strong sales tax performance starting in FY 2021 and then relatively flat since FY 2023. As the primary revenue source is sales tax, which comes with an associated higher degree of volatility, a reasonably healthy level of reserves is suggested, however it is anticipated net revenues will increase going forward. The focus of work over the last year has been on the design study and grant analysis for the FM 407 Village Connector. Staff will continue to explore grant opportunities for the FM 407 Village Connector and, from that, develop a scope for the project. Once considered and approved by the HVCDC Board and City Council, the board will review options for funding the other identified projects.

Council received the results of the Safe Routes to School Survey and the proposed plan for the upcoming school year. Staff sought input from parents on how the closing of Highland Village Elementary would impact their child's travel to one of the other two elementary schools in the City. The survey confirmed the HVPD's plans to provide one additional crossing guard at Highland Village Rd. and Willow Creek, and two for the Briarhill and DKH area on Briarhill Blvd. Highland Village officers will actively monitor school areas, trails, and crossings to ensure safety and adjust plans as needed. The public is reminded to slow down and pay attention to school traffic and pedestrians when school begins on August 12.

During City Manager and Staff Reports, City Manager Paul Stevens informed and invited residents to a joint meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Highland Village Community Development Corporation on August 4 at 6 p.m. The City's consultant, Halff, will provide a status report on the FM 407 trail connection project. This meeting will take place in the Council Chambers and will provide an opportunity for public input. The City is working with Halff to analyze potential trail routes and provide a preferred trail alignment, as well as grant funding strategies, to help position us for the best chances of grant success. The purpose of the trail is to provide active transportation connections to connect residents and trail users to places of business, schools, adjacent communities, and parks.

During the Mayor and Council Reports, Councilmember Rhonda Hurst reminded residents interested in applying for a council-appointed board or commission to submit their application by July 31.

The City Council early work session and regular session is available on HVTV (Frontier 43) and via website live streaming at www.highlandvillage.org/hvtv and on the City's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/highlandvillagetx. The meetings are also available for on-demand viewing on the city website.