Northlake reviews budget priorities, quarterly finances and a shift to two‑day watering

At its May 23 meeting, the Northlake Town Council heard the second‑quarter fiscal report and a staff briefing on budget focus areas and proposed water‑conservation updates.

Finance staff reported the town’s investment book value at nearly $54 million at quarter‑end, a $5 million decrease from the prior quarter driven by capital project payouts (including the Star Center and Cleveland Gibbs South). Interest earnings were reported at roughly $422,000 for the quarter. Staff walked council through revenue and expenditure percentages for the general fund and capital projects, described GO bond proceeds already received, and outlined the town’s salary strategy (a 6% combined increase in FY24 via two 3% adjustments and step programs for public works and the police market adjustments).

On water policy, staff proposed moving to a year‑round “water awareness” schedule with two watering days per week, aligning with Fort Worth and Upper Trinity recommendations, while retaining the longstanding Monday no‑watering requirement. Staff said last year’s conservation efforts saved approximately 11,000,000 gallons year‑over‑year even with population growth. Council asked about outreach; staff said changes would be communicated via water bills, social media, and an email blast to water customers. Council also discussed partnering with Upper Trinity and expanding an irrigation‑tune‑up program for residents.

Staff provided an update on smart‑meter deployments: roughly 65% of commercial meters are completed and about 4% of residential meters are installed; deployment is awaiting Badger meter materials and contractor scheduling, with staff estimating materials arrival in roughly two months.

Budget priorities discussed included maintaining a low property tax rate (0.295), pursuing a healthy commercial/residential revenue split, adding staff where needed, a proposed traffic‑markings crew (full implementation estimated at about $462,000 in 2026), and a possible Florence Road reconstruction project with a very rough cost estimate of about $4.6 million. Staff said they will return with ordinance language on the water changes in June and with cost briefings on proposed budget items as requested.

Next steps: staff will bring ordinance language for the watering schedule change back to council in June, provide a cost estimate briefing for proposed budget requests (such as the traffic‑markings crew), and continue smart‑meter deployment once materials arrive.