BY ADAM DOE, CONNOR PITTMAN & MARY KATHERINE SHAPIRO
Highland Village budgets nearly $70K for police tools
Council calls second sales tax election Argyle residents will vote on a sales tax increase for the Harvest commercial area in a special election this November. In January, the council voted to put the sales tax increase on the ballot for the May election, but the proposition failed to pass. The gist The proposed tax increase in the Harvest commercial area in Belmont Fresh Water Supply District No. 2 would increase the general sales tax rate in the Harvest Center by 0.75%, bringing the area’s tax rate in line with the rest of the town’s 2% tax rate. The special election will cost the town between $9,000-$12,000 , and the rev- enue from the tax increase, if it passes, is expected to net the town more than $100,000 annually, per town documents.
The city’s proposed general fund budget for fiscal year 2025-26 includes $69,418 for equipment and technology for the Highland Village Police Department. If approved, these funds will go toward Flock cameras, ballistic shields, a Blue Voice AI program
Highland Village Police Department funding requests
Key:
Police drone: $30,000 2 rifle-rated ballistic shields: $18,418 Blue Voice AI program: $6,000 Flock cameras: $15,000
and a drone. A closer look
Flock cameras are automatic license plate read- ers that help officers quickly locate vehicles and monitor park entrances and exits. The artificial intelligence program will allow staff to quickly access department policies and city ordinances. The police department requested a total of $88,149 in new equipment for FY 2025-26. The department requested an additional $4,231 for an additional 40-millimeter launcher—a less lethal alternative than a taser—and $14,500 for a new pickup truck. Neither request is included in the proposed general fund budget.
$69,418 total
SOURCE: CITY OF HIGHLAND VILLAGE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Looking ahead Highland Village City Council will consider the tax rate and any budget amendments at an Aug. 12 meeting. The first public hearing of the proposed budget and tax rate will be held Sept. 9.
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FLOWER MOUND - HIGHLAND VILLAGE - ARGYLE EDITION
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