The final readings on three ordinances for the Fiscal Year 2013-2014 City budget passed council's final approval at the Tuesday, Sept. 3, meeting. They include the ordinance to revise the budget figures for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 and adopt the 2013-2014 annual operating budget; the ordinance to set the 2013 ad valorem tax rate at $.6900; and, an ordinance to establish rates to be charged for water and wastewater service in Burleson. The City of Burleson receives all of its drinking water from the City of Fort Worth. Effective Oct. 1, 2013, City of Burleson water customers will see a 13 percent increase in their water rate for base and volumetric charges. This increase is due in large part to the City of Fort Worth increasing its water rate by 16 percent. However, City of Burleson wastewater customers will see a 2 percent reduction for wastewater charges. The rates go into effect Oct. 1. Most customers will see the change on their bills starting Oct. 20. A customer who uses 5,000 gallons of water per month paid $28.50 in charges before the rate change and will now be charged $32.23. Wastewater charges for 5,000 gallons per month decreased from $37.45 to $36.70, with a total increase of both services at $2.98 for 5,000 gallons usage per month. To view planning documents for the budget, go to the Budget Planning, Fiscal Year 2013-2014 page on the City website's homepage.

Don't miss Open House at the BRiCk on Monday, Sept. 9, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. You can meet the program/class instructors after 5 p.m. Registration for camps, programs, swim lessons, and more will be 10 percent off on Sept. 9.  Come enjoy a free chair massage and participate in a Zumba Demo.  Light refreshments will be available. For more information call the BRiCk at 817-426-9104. The BRiCk is located at 550 N.W. Summercrest Blvd.

The City of Burleson is hosting a free Burleson Family Field Day on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Kerr Middle School. The event is 9 a.m.-noon. The school is located at 517 S.W. Johnson Ave. The Field Day activities will be designed for school-age children, five and older. Parents are also encouraged to participate. Burleson Family Field Day is part of a community-wide focus on improving health and to encourage everyone, young and older, to be active. The school with the highest percentage of participation from their campus will be named Field Day champions.

Mock gunfights, staged shootouts, a Bumble Rumble Car Show, motorcycle show, arts and crafts, great food, and two stages of entertainment are on tap for the City of Burleson's 21st annual Founders Day. The celebration starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, and wraps by 6 p.m. in Old Town. The City's main stage will be in the Burleson City Hall parking lot on Ellison Street. There will be a second stage at the corner of Ellison and Bransom streets. A short walking parade hosted by the Burleson Heritage Foundation is in the works. Vendors interested in being part of the 2013 Founders Day celebration can download a vendor application from the City website. For additional questions about booth space please call Neal Jones with the Burleson Heritage Foundation at 817-447-3522 or 817-343-2589. Food vendors must have a permit from the Tarrant County Public Health Department. Booth spaces are 10 feet by 10 feet.

Are you interested in working for the City of Burleson? Check out the Current Job Openings page on the City website for openings with your local government. The jobs currently posted include police officer, community initiatives and special projects manager, golf course beverage cart attendant, municipal court clerk, and lifeguard. To learn more about how to apply, go to the Application Process page or call 817-426-9640.

The City of Burleson and Keep Burleson Beautiful will host a free horticultural seminar on Thursday, Sept. 12, at 6 p.m. at the Burleson Public Library. The seminar will be conducted by master gardeners from the Texas A&M Agrilife extension. The seminar will cover a variety of landscaping topics including planting trees, shrubs, and successful gardening tips. Participants will learn how to successfully apply environmentally sound techniques specific to Tarrant and Johnson counties. For more information 817-426-9842. The Burleson Public Library is located at 248 S.W. Johnson Ave.

The Burleson City Council called a charter election and a bond election for Nov. 5, 2013. The charter election includes 12 propositions that cover corporate and general powers, city council, ordinances, administration, municipal court, elections, finance, sale of City property, contracts and purchasing, franchise and public utilities, conflict of interest, and simplifying charter language and compliance with state law. For more about the charter election go to the November 2013 Charter Election Details page on the City website.

Do you know what happens to dog waste if you don't pick it up? Chances are that pet waste will become part of storm water runoff which washes down storm drains, into drainage ditches, and into our creeks, rivers and lakes. The City's Neighborhood Service department asks you to "Doo the Right Thing" by picking up after your dog while you are walking or are just in your yard. If you want to take the Doo the Right Thing pledge, stop by the Burleson Animal Shelter at 775 S.E. John Jones Dr., sign the pledge and pick up a free pet waste dispenser. Supplies are limited. The pledge is also available online.