Fort Worth will continue to invest in much-needed capital improvements while keeping the property tax rate at its current level despite today’s tight economic and financial conditions, Fort Worth City Manager David Cooke told the City Council Tuesday.
Cooke is recommending the Council continue the current property tax rate of 74.75 cents per $100 assessed valuation to fund city operations and services. “Keeping the current rate continues the city’s current level of capital investment,” he said.
Residents can comment on the recommended tax rate at public hearings on Sept. 1 and 15. The Council will approve a tax rate, as well as the fiscal 2021 Capital and Operating Budgets, on Sept. 22.
Cooke on Tuesday showed Council a five-year look at the Capital Improvement Plan, which calls for evaluating infrastructure maintenance and investment based on equity and continuing neighborhood improvements.
The fiscal 2021 $394.3 million Capital Improvement Plan includes general projects and those at the city’s airports, convention and Will Rogers Memorial centers, and water and stormwater improvements. Fort Worth’s fiscal year runs Oct. 1 to Sept. 30.
“Think about our impact on the community,” Cooke said. “We are spending $300 million to $400 million in capital every year. That’s a significant amount of money. The positive piece is we’re keeping our emphasis on infrastructure investment and the maintenance of that infrastructure.”
The city plans to spend $48.4 million on pay-as-you-go maintenance projects in fiscal 2021, an increase of $1.35 million from fiscal 2020. The additional money is mostly going to street and traffic light improvements, and $650,000 for sidewalk upgrades to improve access to transit.
Capital projects already underway include the Golden Triangle and Reby Cary Youth libraries, two fire stations, a south side police station, the north side animal shelter and some new parks and trails. Of the $399.5 million voter approved 2018 bond program, $124 million has been committed or spent on those projects, Cooke said.
Of the 74.75-cent property tax, 59.5 cents goes toward operations and maintenance, and the remaining 15.25 cents to debt service. In fiscal 2021, the city is budgeting $556.8 million in property tax revenue, a 3 percent increase, or $15.5 million, from fiscal 2020. By comparison, the city saw a $48 million increase from fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2020.
Starting in 2022, property tax revenue is projected to remain flat for a couple years, or even decline. Sales tax and other revenues should increase, but conservatively at about 4 percent, Cooke said.
The City Council adopted a $771.9 million fiscal 2020 general fund budget, but declining sales tax and drops in other revenues necessitated cutting $23 million to balance the current budget.
Councilmembers will receive the proposed fiscal 2021 general fund budget on Aug. 11. The general fund pays to operate city services and facilities. Property and sales taxes fund 80 percent of the general fund budget. Fort Worth’s budget includes several other funds, including debt service and those that operate the water and wastewater utility, airports and special projects, among them. The city’s fiscal 2020 operating budget was more than $1.9 billion.
Trinity Metro is redesigning its bus network to make the it more useful for more people. To make real improvement we need to reconsider the entire network – not just each route, but how the routes work together.
We need your input. Please take the online survey and share it with your friends, family and colleagues.
It is important we think about both tangible changes and visionary ideas. We will use your feedback to guide our plan as we redesign the network and create A Better Connection.
THE FORT WORTH MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY TO REOPEN AUGUST 13
Prior to the public reopening, the Museum will be open exclusively to Members Thursday, August 6 through Saturday, August 8 for Members Thank-You Days.
• Thursday, August 6 - Saturday, August 8
• 10 AM - 4 PM
• Members-only
Starting Thursday, August 13, the Museum will be open for everyone!
SUMMER SCHEDULE
• Sunday - Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday - Saturday: Open
• 10 AM - 11 AM: Members-only
• 11 AM - 4 PM: Public and Members
• Reduced Admission Cost: Age 5+: $9 | Age 0-4: Free
• Members Admission: Free
For the latest updates about Museum hours and admission, visit the Museum Website.
SAFETY FIRST
The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History takes as its priority the safety of our guests and staff. The Museum will be reopening safely, with the following protocols in place:
• All Museum staff will wear facemasks while on duty.
• Guests age 5 and up will be required to wear a facemask upon entry.
• Removal of all objects that are frequently touched, including touchable exhibits and screens.
• Regular cleaning of touched surfaces, doorknobs, etc.
• Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the Museum.
• Timed ticketing will ensure lower occupancy and will allow social distancing within the Museum.
• Online ticketing is encouraged, which enables touchless entry for guests.
• Storage lockers will be closed.
THE AMERICAN ALLIANCE OF MUSEUMS AWARDS MUSEUM FOR INNOVATIVE APOLLO EXPLORATION EXPERIENCE
Fort Worth, TX (July 14, 2020) — The Apollo Landing Site Panorama VR Experience at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History earned the Bronze 2020 MUSE Award in the AR/VR/Mixed Reality category by the American Alliance of Museums. MUSE awards recognize outstanding achievement in Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums (GLAM) media. These annual awards are presented to institutions that enhance guest engagement with useful and innovative digital programs and services. They also celebrate scholarship, community, innovation, creativity, education, accessibility, and inclusiveness.
The Museum transformed its largest gallery into an eight-month celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo Moon landings. The large exhibition, Launchpad: Promises Kept, connected guests to space exploration through beautiful, interactive environments, which combined artifacts, hands-on interactives, and personal informational stations. The Apollo Landing Site Panorama VR consisted of a platform immersed in a Moon-like environment that provided a social learning experience where groups could walk together in the steps of some of America’s greatest heroes. Each VR headset presented real panoramic photography from a different Apollo mission.
Museum President, Van A. Romans observed “It was wonderful seeing families having such fun putting on the VR headsets and exploring the Moon together.” Chief Scientist, Dr. Morgan Rehnberg who curated the exhibition described the views of the various landing sites, “Missions were sent to different areas of the surface of the Moon, with later missions landing near larger craters and hills as the Apollo team gained experience with precision landings.” Guests talked among themselves and with museum staff who helped them to understand what they were seeing in the 360 photographs.
Guest exploring the Apollo 11 landing site in virtual reality at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History as a part of its Launchpad exhibition, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Moon landings. The experience earned the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History a bronze award in the category of VR/AR/Mixed Reality by the American Alliance of Museums. Credit, image courtesy of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.
More information about the project is available here.
About the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
The Museum was established in 1941 and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Anchored by its rich collections, the Museum is dedicated to lifelong learning. It engages guests through creative, vibrant programs and exhibits interpreting science and the history of Texas and the Southwest. For more information, visit www.fortworthmuseum.org.
Your vote counts!
Today's election is a the Joint City and Primary Runoff Elections for both parties.
Check out the links below to find your polling place and a sample of what's on the ballot today.
Find Your Polling Location Here
Join fellow North Texans for a regional blood drive presented by the North Texas Mayors Council from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 14.
Make an appointment to donate at one of three locations:
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and a reduction in donations, blood supply levels are at a critical low. As a thank-you from Carter Blood Care, donors will receive a Texas Rangers baseball cap.
The event is sponsored by the North Central Texas Council of Governments, the North Texas Commission and Carter Blood Care.
To learn more, contact Ashley Mergele.
AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott today issued an Executive Order requiring all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, with few exceptions. The governor also issued a proclamation giving mayors and county judges the ability to impose restrictions on some outdoor gatherings of over 10 people, and making it mandatory that, with certain exceptions, people cannot be in groups larger than ten and must maintain six feet of social distancing from others.
“Wearing a face covering in public is proven to be one of the most effective ways we have to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “We have the ability to keep businesses open and move our economy forward so that Texans can continue to earn a paycheck, but it requires each of us to do our part to protect one another — and that means wearing a face covering in public spaces. Likewise, large gatherings are a clear contributor to the rise in COVID-19 cases. Restricting the size of groups gatherings will strengthen Texas’ ability to corral this virus and keep Texans safe. We all have a responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our communities safe. If Texans commit to wearing face coverings in public spaces and follow the best health and safety practices, we can both slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep Texas open for business. I urge all Texans to wear a face covering in public, not just for their own health, but for the health of their families, friends and for all our fellow Texans.”
Additionally, the governor released a new video message to coincide with his Executive Order, encouraging Texans to do their part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and keep their communities safe. The video can be downloaded at this link and can also be viewed on YouTube.
View the Governor’s Executive Order.
View the Governor’s Proclamation.
For questions about the Fort Worth response to COVID-19 and the current guidelines: call 817-392-8478 or email COVID19@fortworthtexas.gov.
Nestled in the West 7th district, just off of Interstate 30, the Home2 Suites by Hilton Fort Worth Cultural District (1145 University Drive) celebrated its opening Wednesday, June 24. The newest hotel to open in Fort Worth, this 162-room property is owned by Southeastern Development and managed by LBA Hospitality.
“We’re thrilled to add another exceptional property to our growing Texas portfolio,” said Farrah Adams, Chief Operating Officer of LBA Hospitality. “The Home2 Suites Fort Worth Cultural District is situated in the heart of the Cultural district centrally located for our guests to enjoy dining, shopping, and world-class museums.”
The new Home2 Suites Fort Worth Cultural District offers all-suite accommodations with sleek, modern design and pops of cowboy flair. With a custom lobby layout, 60% larger than the prototype Home2 Suites, guests can enjoy the communal space at a safe social distance. The lobby features a double-sided breakfast bar and an open and modern Oasis, Home2’s expanded community multi-functional space for social gatherings, individual work, and meeting zones.
Accommodations consist of spacious studio and one-bedroom suites with a streamlined approach to storage and function, including fully-accessorized kitchens and modular furniture. The hip and stylish innovations include a “working wall,” which incorporates the kitchen and a flexible working/media space.
For outdoor space, there’s a cozy outdoor patio, complete with saline swimming pool and gas grills. Additional amenities include free WiFi, complimentary breakfast, and Spin2Cycle, the 24-hour fitness center, and laundry room combo where guests can do laundry while they work out. For business meetings and celebrations, the hotel offers 650 square feet of meeting space, accommodating up to 24 guests. Home2 Suites by Hilton Fort Worth Cultural District is pet-friendly.
With recent events top of mind, the hotel is taking all of the necessary precautions to protect the safety and wellbeing of guests and associates. Hilton has developed a global program introducing a new standard of hotel cleanliness and disinfection: Hilton CleanStay with Lysol protection. Hilton CleanStay program builds upon Hilton’s already high standards of housekeeping and hygiene, where hospital-grade cleaning products and upgraded protocols are currently in use, to ensure Hilton guests enjoy an even cleaner and safer stay from check-in to check-out.
Ft. Worth, aka. “The City of Cowboys & Culture” was named “Best of Travel” by Money Online, and earned a spot on the “Top 10 city for Young Professionals” list by Forbes Magazine. The Home2 Suites Fort Worth Cultural District is a short walk to West 7th Street, where guests can enjoy a stroll in Trinity Park, shop and dine in one of the dozens of restaurants and shops, and visit one of five world-class museums of the Cultural District.
Get back to your wild side! The Fort Worth Zoo is now open at limited capacity and with new safety measures. Make your reservation in advance. Don't forget to vote them "Best Zoo in North America" on USA Today's 10 Best list.
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With COVID-19 keeping folks at home over the past few months, people may be seeking opportunities to volunteer outdoors. At the same time, Fort Worth’s parks are suffering from too much litter and too few volunteers.
Keep Fort Worth Beautiful and the Fort Worth Park & Recreation Department are joining on a series of park cleanups. Between June 27 and Aug. 1, nine city parks are scheduled to be beautified.
Both organizations are seeking volunteers. Helpers can break up the monotony of being indoors while maintaining required social and spatial distancing.
City staff members will greet volunteers at each park on the day of the cleanup with gloves and trash bags. Just bring energy – and a facemask – along with your can-do spirit. Registration is required so enough supplies are available.
Saturday, June 27. Hallmark Park, 502 Sycamore School Road. Meeting location: north parking lot; eeds cleanup around the creek. Register to help.
Saturday, June 27. Oakland Lake Park, 1645 Lake Shore Drive. Meeting location: east parking lot. Register to help.
Saturday, July 11. Eugene McCray Park at Lake Arlington, 3440 Quail Road. Meeting location: north parking lot.
Saturday, July 11. Carter Park, 1414 E. Seminary Drive. Meeting location: south side of Carter Park Drive, first parking lot on the left.
Saturday, July 18. Cobb Park, 2600 Cobb Park Drive. Meeting location: north U-shaped parking lot by the pavilions.
Saturday, July 18. South Z Boaz Park, 5250 Old Benbrook Road. Meeting location: Winscott Road entrance, first parking lot on the right.
Saturday, July 25. Candleridge Park, 7427 S. Hulen St. Meeting location: near 4400 French Lake Drive, on-street parking.
Saturday, July 25. Sycamore Park, 2525 E. Rosedale St. Meeting location: parking lot off of Rosedale Street next to youth ball fields. .
Saturday, Aug. 1. Gateway Park, 750 Beach St. Meeting location: west parking lot next to dog park.
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Email: admin@cdafw.org
Address:
PO BOX 471391
Fort Worth, Texas 76147
