Dallas Will Add Code, Fire and EMS Services in Newly Approved Budget

The Dallas City Council approved its annual budget Wednesday, adding a substantial Dallas Fire-Rescue hiring effort, merit raises for city employees, homeless encampment cleanups and a pilot program for council district offices.The new budget, which takes effect Oct. 1, will also give taxpayers a small break on this year's tax rate. For the owner of an average $254,000 home, that means $4.27 less than they would have paid under the previous tax rate. The council had also previously increased the exemption for seniors and disabled residents to $90,000 from $64,000. It is the second year in a row the city has lowered its tax rate as values have increased.  Continue reading...