The City of Brownwood has been working the last few months on the 2012/2013 fiscal year budget which includes a pay increase for city employees, and no tax or fee increase for residents.

“It is a sound, fiscally conservative, balanced budget which was accomplished without any increases in the tax rate, utility rates or fees,” City Manager Bobby Rountee said. “It is 1.16% ($347,000) more than last year’s budget (2012/2013 – $30,283,130; 2011/2012 – $29,935,800).”

Rountree said that the original draft of the budget included a small increase in water rates because of a rate increase passed down from the Brown County Water Improvement District, but that increase was later repealed by the district’s board.

“Originally there was a $.02 pass-through increase in water rates from the BCWID, but at their last meeting they amended the budget and removed the increase,” Rountree said.  “I appreciate the BCWID’s efforts.”

Rountree said that raises for employees are an important component in this year’s budget.

“A cost of living increase of 3% is included for all full-time employees,” Rountree said.  “City employees have continued to provide a high level of service during these difficult economic times.  Employees are any businesses most important asset.”

The Brownwood City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed City of Brownwood budget for FY 2012/13 to receive input from the public on Tuesday, August 28. Council may set a date for final adoption of the budget ordinance on first reading on September 11 (Regular Council meeting) and on second and third reading on September 25 (Regular Council meeting).