Area of Focus

Specific Actionable Steps

Proposed Implementation Time

Metrics for Success

Property Tax Relief (Homestead Exemption)

Propose and advocate to the City Council for a phased increase in the general homestead exemption: 5% in FY26, 8% in FY27, and 10% in FY28.

Request City staff perform and present detailed revenue impact analysis for each proposed exemption increase phase well before budget deliberations.

Prepare clear presentations for Council and the public explaining the rationale, impact comparisons with other cities, and affordability within the budget context.

Engage council members in work sessions to discuss the proposal and build support prior to formal votes.

Budget deliberations:

Summer 2025 (for FY26) Summer 2026 (for FY27) Summer 2027 (for FY28).

Analysis to be completed ~1-2 months prior each year.

Presentations concurrent with deliberations. Engagement ongoing.

- Council adoption of the 5%, 8%, and 10% exemptions in respective years.

- Timely completion and presentation of impact analyses.

- Positive reception and understanding of rationale by Council/public.

Property Tax Relief (Senior Exemption)

Propose and advocate to Council to increase the Over-65 property tax exemption to equal the Disability exemption.

Direct City staff to calculate the precise revenue impact of this equalization.

Compile comparative data from other Dallas County cities with equal exemptions as supporting evidence.

Communicate the fairness rationale and benefit to seniors during budget discussions.

Target for inclusion in the FY2026 budget (deliberations Summer 2025). Analysis and data compilation prior to deliberations.

Alternatively, propose phased increase:

FY2026 - $35,000
FY2027 - $45,000
FY2028 - $50,000

- Council adoption of the equalized Over-65 exemption.

- Revenue impact analysis completed and presented.

- Comparative data presented to Council.

Property Tax Rate Management

Advocate during annual budget discussions for setting the tax rate nearer the "no new revenue" (NNR) rate, balancing service needs.

Request staff analysis comparing service levels achievable at NNR, proposed, and Voter-Approval rates.

Initiate development of a 5-10 year financial forecast modeling paths (expenditure control, revenue growth) toward the aspirational .40s/.50s rate range.

Clearly communicate the annual tax rate decision, explaining the balance between tax burden and city services/investments.

Annually during budget cycles (starting Summer 2025). Forecast development within first 1-2 years. Communication ongoing.

- Adopted rate vs. NNR rate each year.

- Completion and Council review of multi-year forecast.

- Public statements clearly articulating rate rationale.

- Long-term rate trend analysis.

Fiscal Responsibility & Cost Efficiency

Initiate review with staff to identify potential cost savings and efficiencies across departments.

Specifically explore feasibility and cost/benefit of in-sourcing more services.

Introduce/enhance performance metrics for city departments linking budget to service outcomes.

Explore priority-based or zero-based budgeting elements for annual budget reviews.

Champion technology adoption for process automation and efficiency gains.

Institute periodic review of major city contracts for competitiveness and value.

Initiate review/exploration within first 9 months. Implement findings/new processes over subsequent budget cycles. Performance metrics ongoing. Contract review schedule TBD.

- Documented cost savings and efficiencies identified and implemented.

- Decision made on in-sourcing specific services based on analysis.

- Performance metrics established and reported.

- Budget process includes enhanced justification methods.

- New technologies implemented.

- Contract review process established/executed.

Revenue Diversification & Economic Development

Prioritize attracting businesses to generate sales tax & diversifying the tax base.

Identify and target specific business sectors (retail, dining, desired commercial) suitable for various areas of Rowlett.

Advocate for strategic infrastructure investments (roads, beautification) that support business attraction.

Collaborate with Chamber of Commerce, business associations, and EDAB on targeted outreach and responsible incentive strategies.

Initiate review of zoning/land-use plans to ensure alignment with economic development goals.

Ongoing, starting within the first 90 days. Infrastructure advocacy during budget cycles. Zoning review initiated within first 1-2 years.

- Growth in sales tax collections.

- Increase in commercial property % of tax base.

- Successful attraction/expansion of targeted businesses.

- Infrastructure projects supporting ED goals funded/completed.

- Zoning/plan updates adopted if needed.

Public Engagement & Transparency

Implement enhanced methods for citizen input during budget process (town halls, online tools).

Develop and distribute simplified "Budget in Brief" summaries for proposed and adopted budgets.

Host post-budget adoption information sessions (in-person/online) explaining decisions.

Ensure a user-friendly online portal for all budget documents, schedules, and feedback mechanisms.

Begin exploring new input methods before FY26 budget cycle (Summer 2025). Budget summaries/sessions starting with FY27 budget. Portal enhancement ongoing.

- Increased citizen participation in budget process.

- Positive feedback on clarity/accessibility of budget information.

- Availability and use of "Budget in Brief" and online portal.

Council Collaboration

Foster open dialogue and collaboration between Council, staff, and citizens on fiscal matters.

Schedule more informal Council work sessions focused on budget outlook, financial planning, and fiscal goals.

Receive regular reports and updates from the finance subcommittee to the full council. 

Ensure Council receives timely, comprehensive financial data/analysis from staff.

Facilitate early-term Council goal-setting session including fiscal strategy alignment.

Ongoing, starting immediately. Set schedules for regular work sessions and subcommittee updates. Goal-setting within first three months.

- Constructive Council discussions on fiscal issues.

- Budgets passed reflecting shared priorities.

- Council members report satisfaction with information flow.

- Agreed-upon fiscal goals documented from goal-setting.