Allen residents will continue benefiting from one of the lowest property tax rates in Collin County.
Allen City Council voted to lower the city’s property tax rate by a full cent during the September 12 meeting, down to $0.51 per $100 of appraised value. Despite the lower rate, new properties and higher appraisals will result in a 5.47% increase in property tax revenue for the city’s 2017-2018 budget.
This increase allows the city to maintain quality services, programs and facilities for its growing population and business community, as reflected in the $214 million annual budget also approved by City Council. This includes $35,000 in library audio and e-books, $12,000 in data security upgrades and a $170,000 concrete patching truck. It also covers the cost of new staff—the equivalent of 21 full-time positions—to help maintain new parks, patrol city streets, fight fires, improve community integrity and oversee ongoing development. The new positions will help Allen maintain a ratio of approximately eight city employees for every 1,000 residents.
Police, fire and EMS services will be responsible for the biggest chunk (nearly 40%) of the City’s general fund spending next year. Culture and recreation, including parks and library operations, is next in line at 26.5%. The remainder covers public works, community development and general government.
Allen City Council held two public hearings on the budget and property tax rate prior to the September 12 meeting. The new fiscal year will begin on October 1.