Crockett council adopts FY2022–23 budget and opens tax-rate hearing for de minimis increase

The Crockett City Council adopted the city’s fiscal 2022–23 budget after a public hearing and discussion that emphasized employee pay increases and the addition of two full‑time firefighters.

City staff told the council the proposed budget includes pay raises approved by council and funding for two full‑time firefighter positions to provide around‑the‑clock staffing. "This is the budget that funds the, the pay increase to our employees... It it approves also hiring 2 additional full time firefighters," staff said during the hearing.

Council also held a public hearing on the proposed 2022 tax rate. Staff explained statutory tax‑rate brackets and described a "de minimis" rate that would raise about $500,000 in new revenue compared with last year. Staff presented the de minimis figure as roughly 68 cents per $100 of assessed value and said, based on average values, it would increase the typical property tax bill by about $84.94 per year. "That 500,000 put us in the running... to be able to attract and retain police officers," staff said, noting the increase would be used primarily for personnel costs.

Council members and members of the public debated the potential impact; one resident worried about business impacts, and councilors responded that the increase was intended to restore competitiveness for municipal wages and to ensure adequate emergency response. The council approved the budget ordinance at the meeting; the tax‑rate hearing was held as required by law and the council discussed next steps for formal adoption of the levy.