Walter Middleton, finance director for the City of Brownwood offered a budget presentation for 2016-17. Middleton said informed the council that the tax rate will remain same as the prior year at $.7463 per $100 valuation. This will exceed the effective tax rate of $.7082 by 5.4%. Other budget factors included in the presentation were:

• The water consumption rate will increase by .12 per 100 CF (cubic feet) or 5.4%. The rate will go from $2.22 per 100 CF to $2.34. An average residence will pay $1.20 more per month.
• The increase in water consumption rate of 5.4% will cover the 8.23% increase in the wholesale cost of treated water from the Brown County Water Improvement District.
• There are no other increases in taxes, rates or fees in next year’s budget.
• The final phase of implementing last year’s pay study are included, which will add $32,950 to the budget.
• Pay raises for police and fire will add $92,845 to the budget.
• All employees were granted a 2% across the board pay raise, which will had $250,634 to the budget.
• The budget includes a new rescue engine for the fire department, which will cost $592,000, which will be financed through a seven year capital lease.
• The street department will receive $215,000 for street rehabilitation work through the budget. This is in addition to bond funded street improvement projects.

Approval of next year’s budget will be approved by three readings, which will take place on Sep. 20 and 27.