[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6192259,"mediaKeyId","4115510-fbe8d818cd58696d1f10f25d57db143b","parentId",4115510,"title","Wichita Falls begins 2025–26 budget process, signals focus on employee pay and modest utility rate adjustments","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",6262000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=4115510-fbe8d818cd58696d1f10f25d57db143b&start=6262&end=6262","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/4115510-fbe8d818cd58696d1f10f25d57db143b/thumbnail_6262000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6192259/Wichita-Falls/Wichita-County/Texas/Wichita-Falls-begins-202526-budget-process-signals-focus-on-employee-pay-and-modest-utility-rate-adjustments","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6192259-4ee7d32faa12e4a40c5d5a91f1a4367f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135347&Signature=eJK2HJ7zHbz8vN9zPfdijCrDj1EubiO4sTs5p0ivZTtePI2GYGZpIKuClbfZPNDt0kEe2-kBWMs0chgBEQCtBQW-Beppj4dpGxPYSRkIns7dKA5mn~j7rgEcQP6AtW0gFHm-CD79Z~IfZHerHeU6kkXm~oNvZG4v4bBk-9LvORekld~cZREGYZ3YN1auv1pdI2DCzlJOrBvMo0D7~FsYJMRGIG-3wDeQKqvAvrKbfyed5Lh3rLgeQGTw27y~AAUIBQpl7n4aC~6u453edn8w-UKS00YmLTZRBMhJpOay0YiANEnOOeeTec5~WCxQoAiV9RXogGLMfTxTFiuQk1OWyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Wichita Falls TX","date","2025-06-20T04:31:46.99Z","article","City management used a June 17 pre‑budget workshop to lay out revenue forecasts, capital needs and a multi‑year approach to employee compensation for the 2025–26 fiscal year.

City Manager Jeff Jenkins and finance staff framed the session as an early step in a long budget cycle aimed at balancing capital investment, workforce compensation and service levels. “We want a budget that works well for the people and you are their voice in that,” finance staffer Steven told council at the start of his overview.

Staff said preliminary property valuations from the appraisal district are expected to rise about 2.76% for the tax year; certified values are due July 23 and will determine final tax revenue estimates. Steven told council the “current tax rate is 0.6848 per $100 evaluation” in their working materials and that state statutory calculations (including voter‑approval tax‑rate thresholds) will constrain the council’s options when it comes to adjusting rates.

Sales tax revenue has flattened in the most recent months, staff said, and interest‑rate expectations remain uncertain as the Federal Reserve determines policy; both affect projected revenues. Management highlighted the approaching expiration of one reinvestment zone (commonly called TIF 2), which has been diverting incremental local property taxes to a redevelopment fund; staff noted that expiration would return roughly $474,000 annually back to the city if the zone is not extended.

Workforce compensation emerged as a central budget issue. Staff emphasized the importance of competing for and retaining skilled employees and reported that the public‑sector employment cost index is currently about 4.4%, a benchmark staff said should inform base pay increases. Steven recommended a new comprehensive compensation study (estimated cost about $100,000) to identify pay compression and target gaps. The city’s last comprehensive compensation update was completed in 2020 and not all prior recommendations were implemented, staff said. Jenkins and staff said they will seek ways to both “keep up” with market movement and “catch up” on previously unaddressed pay gaps.

Staff presented a three‑part operational strategy to address budget pressures: (1) seek quick operational efficiencies (low‑cost, immediate savings); (2) review procurement and contracts for better pricing or in‑house options; and (3) pursue longer‑term revenue or capital investments that reduce costs (examples included landfill gas capture to produce revenue). Management set a working target of identifying about 4% in operational savings citywide and reported preliminary items equaling roughly 1% already identified for the coming budget.

On utilities, staff recommended modest rate increases to maintain system health and keep pace with costs. A retail water and sewer rate study was recommended; staff noted that when measured as a combined typical monthly bill (water, sewer and sanitation components) Wichita Falls sits below the peer average and recommended a modest 2% increase for water/sewer to follow inflationary trends rather than large multi‑year “lurches.” Sanitation rates were noted to be below peer averages as well, in part because Wichita Falls provides twice‑weekly curb service that many peers do not. Staff asked council to consider modest adjustments to both sanitation and stormwater fees to cover increasing costs and capital needs.

Capital priorities cited included ongoing street repairs, water‑supply work (Ringgold lake project funding already set aside), lift‑station rehabilitation, airport facility needs and performance‑hall renovation contingencies. Staff noted debt currently maturing in coming years and the opportunity to redeploy freed debt capacity for capital work.

Key process dates: staff plans to transmit a detailed budget document to council on July 28, schedule one‑on‑one briefings for council members in early August, hold a more detailed budget workshop on Aug. 12, hold the public tax‑rate hearing on Aug. 19, and bring the final budget to council for adoption on Sept. 2, with the new fiscal year beginning Oct. 1.

Council members asked for follow‑up detail on average monthly utility bills and confirmation of meter and base charges so proposed percentage increases can be expressed in dollar terms for residents. Staff committed to provide practical dollar examples when it returns with the detailed budget.

The workshop closed with broad direction to staff to pursue a combination of compensation planning, targeted operational savings and careful use of reserves and one‑time funds to smooth transitions while maintaining service levels. Staff said they will convene a fiscal sustainability group to continually review opportunities and report back to council during the budget cycle.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Wichita Falls City Council Meeting June 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City management presented revenue assumptions, capital priorities and a strategy to address employee compensation gaps. Staff proposed modest utility rate increases (roughly 2% suggested for water/sewer) and set July through September dates for formal budget steps.","taxTitle","Wichita Falls, Wichita County, Texas","taxId",2821,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6192261,"Wichita Falls transit proposes day pass and monthly fare increases; public hearings set",238,2682000,2920000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=4115510-fbe8d818cd58696d1f10f25d57db143b&start=2682&end=2920","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/4115510-fbe8d818cd58696d1f10f25d57db143b/thumbnail_2682000.jpg","/articles/6192261/Wichita-Falls/Wichita-County/Texas/Wichita-Falls-transit-proposes-day-pass-and-monthly-fare-increases-public-hearings-set","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6192261-37a4550af3a9d74add43fc499c4b79b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135347&Signature=oJx5LQ4BnhwDBBxEx4KciSgUaOuROJVFUV6hRlTjEWYtJo~mGrm-2UGvX~1rfeFXBYSWfI~yP~72dO95WfGElni8nB74OFthGLBTkPI7q4l-I0H9bTV0zZRw7LzexMHJOnmBVybUeZuAXv-BhnxWcETQRKhUuUjvmcsKfNWJ6rbn59BeslgbmDYuVPDMd94FbHLqibdG7LysAHkzPBQ7NwOZN9c9vkBHUAIJZTHewZD31874n5yyecmVV4OOvDjC7MuxTaFQrqHpMXXIq9Wj0u1X~YmVuymC7yqkhen7fLHrDnk3JS8ABflYxsUARaZUyEYbkUgnz2u0CYB7SzKu0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Wichita Falls transit officials on June 17 presented a proposal to adjust fares for the city's bus system, citing increased maintenance, fuel and personnel costs and the expiration of federal pandemic aid.

Transit staff said the city has not increased fares since 2013 and presented a package that would eliminate the $1.50 single‑ride ticket with transfers, introduce a $3.50 day pass valid for 24 hours from first use and modestly raise monthly pass prices. Staff proposed raising the regular monthly pass from $45 to $50 and said reduced‑fare and other pass figures appear on the staff slide deck (staff clarified slide figures during the hearing). Jeannie, the transit presenter, said agencies that adopted a day pass model saw ridership increase because customers found greater value in unlimited 24‑hour travel than in multiple single‑ride purchases.

“We are proposing to do a fare increase. We actually have not done one in 13 years,” Jeannie told council, noting the system relied on CARES Act and ARPA funds during the pandemic that have since been spent. Transit staff said the system is currently subsidized by the general fund at about $350,000 this year and that a fare adjustment is part of a multi‑pronged plan to stabilize operations.

Staff proposed an implementation date of Oct. 1 to align the change with the fiscal year and to allow time for required public‑notice procedures under Federal Transit Administration rules. Officials said they will hold two additional public comment sessions at the transit center (proposed July 17 and Aug. 12, both 5–7 p.m.) and planned at least two formal hearings as required; the council heard one public hearing and closed it on June 17 with no public speakers for this item.

Staff also explained how the $3.50 day pass would function on fare readers: the pass does not activate until the rider first swipes it, meaning a pass purchased in advance would begin its 24‑hour validity period at first use. The proposal also contemplates new payment patterns (stored value, app purchases and monthly passes) and staff said they will meet with local nonprofits and service organizations to ensure the changes do not disrupt existing social‑service transportation arrangements.

The item was for discussion; no council vote was required at the public hearing. Staff will take public comment at the July and August sessions, refine the proposal as needed and return to council with a recommended ordinance and effective date in time for an Oct. 1 start if council approves.","Transit staff proposed eliminating single‑ride tickets, adding a $3.50 day pass and raising monthly passes to reduce subsidies and cover rising operating costs; the council opened and closed a public hearing and staff set additional meetings for public comment.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6192267,"Wichita Falls council orders demolition for multiple hazardous structures, spares two for repair",3429,1292000,4721000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=4115510-fbe8d818cd58696d1f10f25d57db143b&start=1292&end=4721","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/4115510-fbe8d818cd58696d1f10f25d57db143b/thumbnail_1292000.jpg","/articles/6192267/Wichita-Falls/Wichita-County/Texas/Wichita-Falls-council-orders-demolition-for-multiple-hazardous-structures-spares-two-for-repair","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6192267-ca8efc942d239f52e871c9b9c252be9f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135347&Signature=Ogr0nuL7JRDRfteZvvsFpRsetAx3vaQoamoNAmaDotnufgYnvembuvIDo8dJtxi-twQEDabEdPjCw8mBnkX8MPJBHy9JgDm2cO~WRy5X-WFV4G6IKvGS0U7P6G~twDUSts1fNzCptfQQREEAFobNnzCucusAc2nDtJ7pk-AHVJEVQEE6CkSw6Pit1AjVEaBCK-HGSYZKhQBhSfAlM38WXHKctIe7ea4W2~GekEZBOKWr5~dnFle~pLrQgtbYO8NrHrYna3cY8fZBUAAPXm489wZooCyvWc5Kp277FgV1jt9YwtyU0627H9VBTL~mW5aww7TEeuWfIHmKQ27vFbcSug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Wichita Falls City Council on June 17 approved a package of demolition orders aimed at removing dangerously dilapidated homes and outbuildings across the city while allowing owners limited time to pursue repairs or voluntary demolition.

Code compliance staff told council the properties listed have been repeatedly inspected, many suffered fire damage or prolonged water loss, and owners will have 30 days after the council action to begin voluntary demolition or pull a restoration permit. If owners do not act, the city will begin demolition; when the city performs demolition the owner is invoiced and a lien may be placed if unpaid.

City code compliance supervisor Alex Borrego told council the process begins with notices, inspection and a warning period. “If the owner fails to meet the deadlines, then code compliance can continue with their demolition process without bringing it back to council,” Borrego said. Borrego also said demolition funded through community development block grant (CDBG) money requires environmental review and that schedule constraints mean most city‑led demolitions would occur in October 2025, except for one downtown property where the city plans to use general funds and could seek bids in July with potential demolition in August.

The hearing drew property owners and trustees who described their plans and timelines. Owner Max (Maxey) Green, whose property at 1111 Rowland sustained fire damage in November 2024, said he has “paid for and pulled the required permits for the plumbing and for the demolition” and asked for flexibility to complete work in 60–90 days. Owner George Foster, who said he owns several local properties, told council he had begun cleanup work and had pulled a remodel and foundation permit to repair a detached wall and other damage. Chief building official Martin Wolf described some structures as immediate collapse risks: “Looking at the pictures of the structure, it’s a fire hazard. It’s hazardous. It’s leaning. I would say we’re at risk for it to collapse just based on what I’m seeing here.”

Staff described several implementation details requested by owners and council. If owners demolish a listed structure on their own before the city’s contractor work begins, the city will close the case and owners will not incur city demolition fees; if the city demolishes a structure and environmental testing (such as asbestos sampling) is required, those costs generally attach to the project when the city proceeds. Borrego explained that use of CDBG funds triggers additional historic and environmental reviews; the Barry Brown House (1400 Travis), a historically designated downtown property, would be demolished using general fund dollars if declared hazardous so the city could bypass some CDBG review steps to expedite removal.

Council approved the demolition package with amendments: striking 1305 Midwestern (already demolished) from the list and moving two properties—3800 Shasta (a former church) and 1306 Gladiola—to the restoration/repair list so owners or buyers could pull permits and pursue rehabilitation. A motion to approve the orders as amended carried.

Council and staff reiterated options for owners: (1) pull a restoration permit within 30 days and then show substantial completion within the additional 90‑day restoration window; (2) demolish privately before the city acts (no city fees would apply); or (3) do nothing and face city demolition, an invoice, and a lien with annual interest. Staff noted the city had sent initial notices in February and a separate notice of this public hearing on May 16.

The hearing covered roughly a dozen addresses across downtown and east Wichita Falls, including 2303 Princeton, 1111 Rowland, 2910 Lebanon, 3227 Seymour Road, 4119 Blanton, 1107 Burnett (downtown), 1322 North Fifth, 1415 Kemp Street (a duplex), 1226 Tulip, 1306 Gladiola, 1711 Fairfax (accessory structure), 1720 Fairfax, 1900 Bridal and the historically designated 1400 Travis (Barry Brown House). Staff and owners discussed taxes owing on some parcels and the potential need for additional environmental testing when demolitions are adjacent to each other.

Next steps: owners granted restoration permits must begin work within 30 days and show progress within the 90‑day restoration period specified by staff; properties left standing after that period will be scheduled for city demolition (most city demolitions currently forecast for October 2025, with the exception of 1400 Travis, for which staff said they would seek bids in July). Council kept the public hearing record open only as required by ordinance and directed staff to work with owners who notified the city in writing of an intent to sell the property.

Council discussion and the testimony made clear that code compliance intends to prioritize safety while allowing property owners limited time and pathways to repair or remove structures without incurring city demolition fees.","At a June 17 public hearing the Wichita Falls City Council approved demolition orders for a series of hazardous residences and accessory buildings, gave owners 30 days to act and moved two properties to a repair/restoration track; council also exempted one already‑demolished lot.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Wichita Falls begins 2025–26 budget process, signals focus on employee pay and modest utility rate adjustments

Wichita Falls transit proposes day pass and monthly fare increases; public hearings set

Wichita Falls council orders demolition for multiple hazardous structures, spares two for repair