According to the recently released 2010 federal census, the City of Anna has grown nearly 600% over the past ten years and has been one of the most rapidly growing cities in Collin County. Since 2008, the growth of the national and local economy has slowed significantly. Uncertainty surrounding employment, housing prices, and our national economy continues to affect on our local economy here in Anna.

The most dramatic impact of this economic uncertainty can be observed in the continuing decline in local property values which has contributed to rising home foreclosures. This decline in property values has a direct and significant impact on the city's ability to fund the programs and infrastructure that it has invested so heavily in over the past decade. Over 60% of the city's General Fund revenue is derived from property taxes. Since 2008 the value of existing properties have declined an average of 3.88% per year. That equates to a loss of over $43 million in value based on a year to year comparison. Even with $22 million in new buildings and property added to the tax roll since 2008, the value of the 2011 tax role is 5.5% lower than the 2008 tax roll.

In spite of these challenges, the city has been able to maintain its commitment to building a safe, sustainable, and connected community. Even with limited resources, the city of Anna continues to make modest improvements. In 2009 the city started the annual Street Improvement Program which funds a major street construction project each year. Last year the City budget included for the first time personnel for the Parks program and full year funding for the Anna Fire Department which became a City department in July of 2010. City officials continue to see steady growth in sales tax revenue which is a reflection of a strong local business climate. Since October 2010 the city has issued 54 new single family building permits, and 11 permits for new and expanding commercial businesses.

As Anna continues to grow, the City Council remains committed to the Hometown ideal outlined in its Strategic Vision. The proposed FY 2012 budget is designed to preserve the quality of existing services. It reflects a continuing commitment to improve the appearance and quality of community facilities, and a continuing investment in developing and maintaining a quality workforce.

The proposed FY 2012 budget can be funded by adopting a tax rate of $0.650332 cents per $100 valuation which is identical to the tax rate adopted last year. The effective tax rate (which is a calculated rate that would provide the City with about the same amount of revenue it received last year on properties taxed in both years) is $0.669035. By adopting the same tax rate as last year, property taxes due on the average residential homestead will decline by $20.39.

A Public Hearing for the proposed fiscal year 2011-2012 budget is scheduled for August 23, 2011 at 7:30pm

Staff often receives questions about how retailers end up in our community. First, retailers come when there is a market need. This means when a certain retailer, lets say an auto business for example, realizes that money is being spent outside of the community there is a need and money to be captured. Second, the city doesn't pick and choose. If property is zoned retail there is a list of acceptable types of businesses that the owner can put on the property. Third, competition of similar businesses benefits you.

Five benefits for you:

1. Better customer services

When competition comes to town businesses recognize that they need to make a positive change in the way they do business. Strategies must be implemented to offer the products and services that the competition does not have.

2. Better Product Knowledge

Retailers must emphasize the originality of their inventory as compared to the items offered by the competition. They have to focus on what makes their business unique.

3. Better Shopping Environment

Smaller retail businesses also have the luxury of creating a comfortable, cozy atmosphere within their store. This gives your store a personality which is often lacking at the big stores.

4. Price Negotiating

Businesses may offer a bit of flexibility where price is concerned. More price negotiating goes on in your "Mom and Pop" stores than in the big box stores, but it can't hurt to ask. This is almost a guarantee of repeat business.

5. Convenience

Location, location, location -Traffic patterns, medians, and one way roads keep us moving in a particular direction. Usually one of the retailers is better situated for your daily commute than the other getting you in and out with what you need faster.

The Child ID Fair was a popular event last year with more than 200 families in attendance.  The event promotes child safety by offering a laminated ID card for each child, finger printing and all pertinent information required for the police to file a report in the event a child is missing or abducted. A special appearance by Mc Gruff the Crime Dog, a bounce house, and lite breakfast are included.  The event will be at the Anna Police Department 101 South Powell Parkway from 8am-12pm on Saturday, September 17th.  Contact the Anna Police for more information at 972-924-2848. 

GLOW FEST:  The Chamber's annual hot air balloon festival is just weeks away.  Keep October 29th open and your ears and eyes to the ground for updates on this great event.

Networking Opportunities:

Join the chamber for breakfast or lunch:

*1st Thursday of each month, join the Chamber for breakfast at 8:00 am at the Chamber office located at 807 S. Interurban Street.

*3rd Tuesday of each month, join the Chamber for lunch at 11:30am. Location varies.  Check the website for details www.greaterannachamber.com