Mansfield budget adds new jobs, keeps same tax rate

The Mansfield City Council unanimously approved the City of Mansfield’s operating budget and property tax rate for fiscal year 2021-22 on Sept. 13. Council’s approval ensures the city’s property tax rate will remain at $0.69 and cements the addition of more than a dozen new city positions, two new city departments, nearly $2 million in capital equipment and more.

The fiscal year 2021-22 budget, which is balanced, will take effect Oct. 1, and remain in effect through Sept. 30, 2022.

“I am tremendously proud of the City of Mansfield’s fiscal year 2021-22 budget because it tackles issues Mansfield residents raised in the community survey we conducted last year,” City Manager Joe Smolinski said. “We are grateful for our residents’ input on how we can build a better Mansfield, and we are committed to using public feedback in our efforts to make Mansfield a world-class hometown. This new budget is a reflection of that commitment.”

The fiscal year 2021-22 budget calls for the addition of 17 new full-time positions and three new part-time positions at the City of Mansfield. Among the full-time positions that will be added are an Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation, a public records specialist, an engineering inspector, two water treatment plant operators and a museum education/engagement clerk. Two part-time positions for events and cultural arts, as well as a part-time nature education specialist position, will also be added.

The City of Mansfield will also add two new departments: a rental inspection department and a health inspection department. Both departments will be revenue-neutral and will begin with two inspectors each. With the addition of these two departments, these services will soon run through the City of Mansfield. The Tarrant County Public Health Department currently conducts health inspections in Mansfield.

Additionally, the fiscal year 2021-22 budget increases the Street Operations budget, calls for updates to the city’s Emergency Operations Center and calls for increased funding for Historic Downtown Mansfield and the Man House Museum.

“The City of Mansfield’s fiscal year 2021-22 budget makes clear that our city is financially sound, even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to create challenges for local governments across the country,” Chief Financial Officer Troy Lestina said. “We are excited about Mansfield’s future and we will continue to provide Mansfield residents with noteworthy essential services and remarkable experiences for not just the next fiscal year, but for fiscal years to come.”

To view more highlights of the fiscal year 2021-22 operating budget, click here.

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