Hollywood Park Mayor Drash and the Town Council adopted a balanced fiscal year 2024–25 budget and kept the municipal tax rate at $0.4617 per $100 valuation during the Sept. 17 meeting, actions the council said will not raise the tax rate though total property tax revenue will increase because of new property on the tax rolls.

The budget ordinance passed on a roll call vote; council members present voted in favor. The council also approved a resolution ratifying the adopted budget and separately approved two administrative items related to town services: a two‑year extension of the existing Tiger Sanitation contract and a seasonal pool‑use agreement with Great Hearts Northern Oaks.

The fiscal package: why it matters

The budget the council adopted projects a modest surplus after adjustments made before the final vote. City Treasurer Fred said he increased projected interest income from $200,000 to $260,000 and corrected part‑time retirement calculations, producing an estimated $16,000 surplus. Fred reported combined cash balances of approximately $8,347,000 as of July 31.

Fred told the council the town’s revenue picture improved without raising the tax rate because new property added to the roll increases receipts; the council recorded a projected $190,931 increase in property tax revenue year over year, including $9,269 expected from newly added property.

Council action and votes

- The ordinance adopting the fiscal year 2024–25 budget passed on a roll call vote with all members voting yes (Council Member Rodriguez; Council Member Tim Randle, mayor pro tem; Council Member Gonzales; Council Member Pierce; and Mayor Drash). The ordinance text and motion appear on the council packet (page 67).

- The council adopted the tax rate ordinance at 0.4617 per $100 valuation (the same rate as the previous year) by motion; the motions approving the rate and its allocation to maintenance and operations passed by voice vote.

- A resolution ratifying the adopted budget and the property‑tax revenue increase required by state law passed by motion.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda (minutes, July financials, Parks reappointment, ratification of Great Hearts Northern Oaks pool use): approved by voice vote (all council members present voted aye).
- Tiger Sanitation contract extension (two‑year option under existing contract): approved by motion; amendment applies the contract’s automatic 2.5% rate increase, moving household sanitation from roughly $25.66 to about $26.30 per month.
- EDC budget (Economic Development Corporation FY24/25): approved; revenue and appropriations both projected at $228,000.
- FY24/25 municipal budget ordinance: adopted by roll call (all present voted yes).
- Tax rate ordinance (0.4617 per $100): adopted by motions and voice votes.
- Resolution ratifying the adopted budget: approved by motion.

Sanitation contract and pool agreement: details

Mayor Drash explained the Tiger Sanitation contract has an initial base and two optional two‑year extensions; the council exercised the final two‑year extension that is due to begin in October. The town will not change service levels as part of the extension. The council did not adopt a proposal to shift sanitation costs to residents at this meeting; the mayor said he will pursue public outreach and potential revenue options in future forums.

Separately, Great Hearts Northern Oaks was approved to use Voigt Pool in the winter months under terms the staff and school agreed were roughly 10% of the seasonal usage currently contracted by Texas Gold; Great Hearts agreed to pay roughly $1,400–$1,500, which staff said reflects the school’s smaller number of morning sessions. Council members discussed that the pool heater remains on during the season and adding users in alternate times would not require continuous additional heating.

What the council said

Mayor Drash emphasized transparency and public outreach around future revenue proposals, saying he plans to hold special meetings or forums to gather citizen input before any changes would be proposed in next year’s budget cycle.

City Treasurer Fred and council members repeatedly described the budget process as collaborative. Council Member [name not specified in transcript] said the budget preserves services without raising the tax rate and credited department heads for trimming over $300,000 in expenditures during the process.

Ending

Council members said the adopted budget keeps town operations steady while preserving services. The mayor and staff agreed next steps include public outreach on revenue options and continuing to monitor expenditures and revenues through the fiscal year.