The City Council got their first full look at the proposed 2012-13 Budget on Thursday July 26th. The public can view the draft budget by visiting City Hall or logging onto www.HuttoTX.gov/budget. Click on the link titled "Draft 2012-13 Budget". The budget includes information about the City's financial condition as well as updates on programs and services, upcoming capital projects, and more.

Operating revenues total $16,326,614 compared to $15,322,504 in Fiscal Year 2011-12. Operating expenses will increase from $16,401,409 to $17,587,780. The draft budget also raises General Fund reserves from 20% to 23% in line with meeting the City Council's Fiscal and Budgetary Policy goal of 25%. Unreserved fund balance and savings from prior years will be used to offset the difference between revenues and expenses.

The total budget, including capital projects, totals $29,604,284. Planned capital projects include Mager Lane improvements, design and construction of the FM 1660 S sidewalk, FM 685 widening and bridge improvements, construction of the Hutto Family YMCA, and expansion of wastewater treatment capacity.

The City Council voted on Thursday, July 26, to set the maximum tax rate that they will consider as $0.528691 during the budget process, which is an increase of $0.01215 over the current rate.. The average home value has fallen due to decreased appraisals from $126,110 to $124, 557. The average home in Hutto would pay $8 more in taxes under the proposed budget. Public hearings on the tax rate will be held on August 9 and August 16 along with a budget public hearing on August 16.

For more information on the proposed budget, please contact Melanie Hudson, Finance Manager at 759-4046.

The City of Hutto Police Department has implemented the "Hutto Home Safe" program in a continuing effort to provide the best services to the citizens of Hutto, providing peace of mind to families with individuals with special needs. "Hutto Home Safe" allows for the safe return home of those individuals who may not be able to communicate vital information to law enforcement officers or first responders.

The Police will use the program to voluntarily gather and maintain individual enrollment records. Caregivers will need to access the service and supply the needed information in order for an individual to be listed in the program. The information, which is entered into a computer database, can be accessed at the Department headquarters or in the police cars. Enrollment record data includes digital photograph, demographic information, and contact information of a caregiver. All information in the database remains confidential. If officers find someone who is unable to communicate, they can search the database by name or physical description and, if found in the system, return the person home safely. This system also works in reverse; if a person is reported missing, their picture and physical description is immediately available to officers.

Please visit our website at www.huttotx.gov/police for further information and to obtain an application.