‘We have to get creative’

The city of Azle’s leaders face a difficult decision this summer as they work to solve a critical budgeting obstacle: a $3 million deficit.

During the Azle City Council meeting June 16, newly appointed City Manager Amber Beard updated the council and city staff on the current fiscal year budget summary through Jan. 1. She explained that one of the major issues affecting the budget this year is a 2.69% decline in property tax revenue.

“The total taxable volume in Parker County is decreasing from $486,000 to $473,000,” Beard said, during the roundtable discussion. “This next year, property taxes are going up 1% in Tarrant County, and this is very low … Property tax is decreasing, which impacts our budget and our projected revenues.”