The fiscal year 2023 annual budget approved by the Brownsville City Commission on Sept. 6 includes more generous compensation for city employees in order for city government to maintain “high-quality services, operations and essential programs” for Brownsville, according to city officials.
The new compensation package has four components, applicable depending on employee status. The components are pay increases calculated on a recent market study, one-time stipend, one-time longevity pay, and increased life insurance policy.
The more than $167 million budget is in accordance with six “strategic pillars” the city commission adopted in 2019 and meant to align operations with budget goals, according to the city. The six pillars are governance, planning and zoning, economic development, infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life.
The budget includes funding for multiple special project, many of them identified in the city’s five-year capital improvement plan (CIP). The $55 million CIP includes additional investment in street reconstruction, drainage improvements and “technology deployments,” according to the city.
The fiscal year 2023 General Fund operating budget is just under $113.9 million, balanced by a city property tax rate of $0.6919, reflecting the third consecutive annual reduction, said the city.
“This year’s budget gives back to our resident taxpayers, reducing their tax burden, while also giving back to our city employees, giving them an overdue compensation adjustment,” said Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez. “I am excited to share that our balanced budget will support our
hardworking employees while also funding many special projects which will continue to propel Brownsville into the future.”
The city announced on Sept. 15 that it had been awarded the 2022 Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement by the National Procurement Institute Inc. The AEP award is given to public and nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a commitment to “procurement excellence,” according to AEP, whose annual program recognized procuring agencies “that embrace innovation, professionalism, productivity, leadership and e-procurement.
The city says it’s procurement and contract management (PCM) division has striven over the last two years to “strengthen policies and streamline processes to elevate operations.” Brownsville Interim City Manager Helen Ramirez congratulated the city’s PCM division, noting that this is the first time the city has received this award.
“It is through our organization’s commitment to excellence that the city will continue to live out its core leadership value of innovation,” she said.
Antonio Caldwell, who manages the division, said it is responsible for compliance and facilitation of all the city’s procurement processes, with the mission of promoting “good financial stewardship by ensuring that the best value and quality of goods and services are procured by the city” for the community.
“I am thrilled to lead such a passionate and high-performing team,” he said.
