HARLINGEN — A $41 million general fund budget will come with a $1 million street repair program and employee raises.
After weeks of discussion, city commissioners last night approved the budget that comes with a $15.1 million cash reserve fund capable of operating the city for 133 days in case of an emergency.
The budget keeps the property tax rate at 58 cents per $100 valuation.
Last month, commissioners discussed the possibility of raising the tax rate by as much as four cents.
After discussions, commissioners said they would not increase the tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year.
But Commissioner Michael Mezmar asked City Manager Dan Serna to “look at numbers” in case officials consider a possible tax increase next year.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Tudor Uhlhorn asked Serna to find a “permanent way” to fund street repairs.
During budget talks, commissioners made street repairs a top priority, leading Serna to boost the street repair fund from $750,000 to $1 million.
As part of the budget, the city will buy two dump trucks for street projects.
To fund the purchase, officials will take $37,000 out of the general fund and $104,000 out of a vehicle replacement fund. Serna said $2.3 million will remain in that account.
Still, the city’s upcoming street repair fund appears to fall short of the current program.
This year, the city funded a $1.5 million street program after taking $500,000 from cash reserves.
Meanwhile, a $184,000 package will give two-percent raises to the city’s 325 non-civil service employees.
The general fund budget also will fund big projects at two city parks.
Officials earmarked $461,500 to help fund two all-inclusive playgrounds aimed at special needs children at Victor Park and Pendleton Park.
As part of an agreement, the Harlingen school district will provide about $400,000 to help build the playgrounds.
During the next year, the Harlingen Public Library will get a fresh, new look.
Officials set aside $90,000 to buy new furniture for the library.
At City Hall, Serna made two staffing changes.
While two part-time computer specialist jobs will be combined to create a full-time position, Serna will merge two part-time human resources positions to create a full-time secretary’s job.
