Ask the Budget Fiscal Friends (BFFs)

The City of Irving’s Purchasing and Finance department have systems in place to ensure that the city dollars that tax payers entrust to the city are used appropriately, managed conservatively and responsibly. The budget process that the City of Irving is currently going through is one tool that is used to examine spending in each city department every year and ensures that every dollar budgeted is being utilized in the most effective and efficient manner. The City of Irving also conducts citizen input budget meetings to gather input from citizens in the city to have their input and show transparency in the budget process.

Yes. When a solicitation is issued by the city, the Purchasing Department researches businesses within the city who are able to provide the specified goods or services and includes them in the solicitation notice so that they are aware of the procurement opportunity.

The answer to this question is yes. The city has a succession planning/talent development program that is individualized to each employee based on their career goals. We provide training for all employees. Employees pursue professional certifications and we have a tuition reimbursement program.

Does our City of Irving Team work together with Dallas County, Irving ISD, Dallas County Community College District, Spiritual Organizations, Baylor Scott and White, other medical centers, University of Dallas, DART, The State of Texas to find economies, mutual goals, partnerships, assistance, and avoid duplication? If yes, how? If no, why?

The City does have formal and informal partnerships with the organizations listed. Most notably, DART, Irving ISD, and Dallas County for a variety of different projects. Each program or initiative has a point-of-contact that coordinates with their counterpart to avoid duplication of services. They also ensure goals and milestones are being met. For example, our Emergency Management division coordinates with not only other cities in the area but also the County and the State in an effort to battle COVID-19. Our goal is to protect the safety and welfare of our residents while providing the highest level of customer service possible and being fiscally responsible with tax dollars.

Finley Road from North Story East to Stafford, needs a complete resurfacing. I drive it all the time and it is literally falling apart. Full of ridges and pavement settling from an old street cut for sewer line repairs years ago.

Thank you for your question regarding the maintenance of Finley rd. Unfortunately at this time that road is not on a repair list, but the Transportation department has been notified. The department stated that the road will be assessed for repairs and if needed placed on a list for maintenance in the near future. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you should have any further questions. Have a good week.

The City of Irving adopted the PUD #6 which sets the standards for the former stadium site as well as the area surrounding. The PUD #6 area includes more than 400 acres of developable land. It is the desire for the City to see the area developed into a prime mixed-use development to include major offices, residential, and retail options.

Currently, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is leasing the city-owned former stadium site as staging for the planned reconstruction of SH 183, SH 114 and Loop 12. All three highways surround the former stadium site and are extremely important for the development of PUD#6.

Please visit the City’s website for more information on the former stadium site: https://www.cityofirving.org/3032/Former-Stadium-Site. Here you can find both a copy of the PUD #6 Regulations and the Preliminary Project and Financing Plan (TIRZ #6) plan.

Q: Please tell me WHY the City of Irving needs TWO trash collections each week? In my 66 years of life, the suburbs I have lived in only needed ONE residential trash service per week. Is Irving really this trashy of a city?

NORMAL cities provide a large plastic garbage and recycle can on wheels to their residents. NORMAL cities provide a garbage truck that can lift those plastic garbage cans into their garbage truck without needing human labor. NORMAL cities don’t force their citizens to buy garbage and recycling plastic bags, which is a HUGE WASTE OF MONEY AND PLASTIC IN LANDFILLS. WHY is the City of Irving A.B. NORMAL?

We’ve heard the City of Irving has a City Council full of ignorant liberals. Did they flunk Economics 101?

A: Thank you for your concern with the City of Irving’s Solid Waste department. The service that is provided to residents for trash pick up is set by City Council. This email will be shared with City Council and the Solid Waste Services Department.

Thank you for your concern regarding bicycles and the safety of bike riders in Irving. In regards to potholes, this concern is a prioritization of the Transportation and Streets department. Your email will be shared with your City Council.

Q: I wish to know what dollar amounts are budgeted to protect/update our city’s business software infrastructure against any third party hostage. Can we buy insurance coverage to budget for any possible systems ransom payment?

A:  In the City of Irving's budget the Information Technology (IT) Department has budgeted $340,470 for security software. A supplemental request for $206,000 for a managed security service provider has been submitted for approval. The City also has cybersecurity coverage insurance which covers ransomware.

Q: Will you please provide a link or information which shows all city departments and their salaries broken down within the department?

• Proposed 2022-2023
• Actual 2021-2022
• Actual 2020-2021

A: Thank you for your question pertaining to the City of Irving’s budget concerning salaries for the various departments. The city’s Budget page links to each fiscal year’s budget book, including the Fiscal Year 2021-22 proposed budget, that shows salaries for each department. 

If you need more detailed information, an Open Records Request will have to be submitted.

Q: City of Irving taxes should not be increased, as I have lived in Irving for 25 years and have seen nothing done about South Irving. All the money goes to North Irving. My husband's family has been in Irving for 68 years, and they have seen promise after promise broken by the elected officials.

A: Thank you for your input concerning South Irving and the city’s budget. The base budget that the City Manager is recommending reduces the tax rate to $0.5839 per $100 pf taxable value.

Attached is a presentation that shows the development and dollars being used for South Irving.

Q: Cut the pick up of Solid Waste (garbage) to one time a week. I've been looking around the city, and none of us have so much garbage that it is necessary to collect twice a week. Should save quite a bit on the budget, staff shortage and equipment maintenance.

A: Thank you for your input concerning trash services in Irving. This email will be shared with your City Council.

Q: Could we possibly consider going to plastic trash cans for both regular and recycle trash? The city of Carrollton has done this for years and it would reduce the amount of plastic bags in our environment and would pay for itself on the customer side in a very short order. Plastic is horrible for our environment, and the City of Irving should lead with doing the right thing and get rid of policies that forces their citizens to put more plastic into the environment.

A: Thank you for your input concerning trash services in Irving. This email will be shared with your City Council.

Thank you for the question. Yes, property taxes will be discussed. Please see the link to the City of Irving’s Budget page. There are two videos on the web page that provide great information on the budget process and the role that property taxes have in a city’s budget. Please know that this email will be shared with your City Council.

Videos

• Irving's Budget Adoption Process
• Budget 101 Part One: Basic Terms
• Budget 101 Part Two: Debt Service and Capital Improvements

Q: Several years ago, I was involved in trying to get a dog off the streets. She had been loose for almost a year. At the time, I was dealing with Paul of Animal Control. I mentioned to him I thought it would be beneficial to have Animal Control's phone number on all city parks signage since many times strays were seen in the parks. I told him if people had instant access to the number it might get more dogs reported. 

He said it sounded like a good idea but that the Park and Recreation Dept would be the ones to contact. I live by and walk Northwest Park every morning. If I see something that needs addressed concerning the park, I email Mike Griffith. So I sent him an email regarding this. He also thought it a good idea. He told me that the parks were supposed to get new signage and he'd put my suggestion out there. 

Well, I know North West Park hasn't received new signs and I don't know about the parks. I would like for the City Council of Irving consider this in the new budget especially if new park signs are on the agenda.

A: Thank you for your input and concern. The Parks and Recreation department has faced some delays due to COVID-19, but are still working diligently to have these signs installed. Please know that there is a budget meeting on August 18th. The Budget page contains further information about the meeting.

Q: I have a suggestion for the upcoming budget that I believe will have a huge impact on the city of Irving, as well as the residents and anyone who chooses to visit. Something that I have noticed a lot of in Irving is litter, and it ruins the parks, creeks, and streets where we live and spend our time. 

Obviously, it’s impossible to completely stop littering from happening, but there’s a relatively simple solution that would drastically decrease the amount of litter in our beautiful city: trash cans. I see firsthand what happens when bags of trash are left on the street, even if only for a few hours ‐ stray animals get into them, trash falls out, and it’s made worse when they get thrown into the trash truck, leaving litter flying everywhere. 

Trash cans would keep it all contains and drastically reduce the litter we see daily on our streets. PLEASE consider adding trash cans into the next budget so we can keep Irving clean.

A: Thank you for your concern about the beautification of Irving. Please know that your email will be shared with the Solid Waste Services Director, as well as the Mayor and City Council. Please feel free to contact the BFF’s with any budget questions or suggestions for the upcoming budget process.

Q: I would like to make a suggestion for consideration as a budget item for FY2022-2023. As a longtime Irving resident of 43 years I feel the City of Irving improvements to the city streets and right of ways have been very proactive and aggressive in making our city look updated and well maintained. The failing I have noticed are infrastructure changes that are not as visible to the public, but nonetheless impact how it’s citizens seem left out when it comes to their neighborhood needs in regards to street and infrastructure improvements. I have discussed this issue with my Councilman, contacted the City Streets Department and talked with the Municipal Drainage Department about an ongoing concern in my neighborhood without much success. 

I live on XXX Drive which shares a rear entry alley with XXX Court. The alley serves as the major drainage source and the only venue for the McArthur High School football field water runoff collection area. The alley consistently is deluged with water runoff from the field which, dependent on the amount of rain runoff, can overwhelm the alley's capability to effectively contain the flow and prevent flooding and constant erosion of the alley asphalt surface. 

I would like to see this corrected by adding the funding resource to our budget to fix the problem permanently. I have suggested either building a closer drainage area by the school that would not use the alley as its main drainage source or reconstruct the alley out of a more durable material such as concrete with curbs to assist in preventing flooding. Please consider adding this project and any other similar projects that are known or have been reported as a funded budget item in the FY2022-2023 cycle. It does not seem fair that the citizens of Irving are not held in equal regard concerning their needs over the interest of the city or school district. I would like to comment favorably on the communication avenues the City has recently introduced to its citizens in regards to collaboration on making Irving a GREAT CITY to live in!

A: Thank you for your suggestion concerning the infrastructure and street improvements for your neighborhood. 

The Municipal Drainage Utility and Capital Improvement Project departments are aware of the issue, but at this time do not have it slated to be funded as project for the upcoming fiscal year. More information about projects and how funding for capital improvement projects are allocated can be found on the City’s website. 

Q: First: Thanks so very much for all you are doing to upgrade so many areas, and infrastructure in Irving!!!!! Long-time Irving resident dreaming of "Keeping Irving Magnificent!"

1. I hope the city is coordinating with the state to install double underpass/overpass at Irving Boulevard and Story Road.
2. Look at pictures of Washington D. C. What's missing? Millions of electric poles and wires. I realize to go underground is a super major project involving many parties. But what would Beltline Road look like without all the leaning poles and wires everywhere? Please consider upgrading Beltline between 183 and Country Club Road. Street level business signs, more trees and shrubs, a few benches etc.
3. Related to #2, ChicFilet- needed: reconfigure adjoining parking area on the north side of the building to make a larger to-go line, to have traffic on Beltline backing up is unacceptable. Don't you agree?
4. Due to the immense increase in traffic Rochelle from Beltline to Wingren needs 2 lanes each direction, plus dedicated left turn lanes, and yield only right turn lanes at each intersection.
5. Along Riverside Drive could the electrical/phone cabinets be hidden with slow-growing shrubs? Beautiful neighborhood, grass, street, bridges, and boom! Ugly green boxes. Maybe the bright white and orange utility markers could could be shorter?
6. In all construction of signs and fences in public areas please put concrete around the pole, or under the fence line so no edging is ever required.
7. Please reduce the number of flashing lights on Police Vehicles, they are blinding at night and a real distraction in the day.

Please keep up the great work you do!

A: Thank you for your input on the upcoming budget for FY 22-23. Please know that your email will be shared with the Mayor and City Council. 

Q: I saw in the weekly Irving email I could suggest things for the 2023 budget. I would really like to see a grant program for individuals or small businesses who want to invest in renewable energy. It would cut back on a heavy bill if individuals/small business could buy solar panels. Maybe for the corporate offices in Las Colinas, we could create a special tax break if they have solar panels on their building?

A: Thank you for the budget suggestion for the upcoming budget preparation. Please know that this email will be shared with the Mayor and City Council.

Q: Budget team: Please be conservative with the budget for the upcoming year. Also, please consider lowering the tax rate or adopting a "no new revenue rate" for our property taxes. I'm retired and on a fixed income. I'm concerned that some homeowners may be priced out of their homes due to increasing value and property taxes. I've lived in Irving since 1959 and don't want to have to move elsewhere. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

A: Thank you for your input to the Ask the BFF’s email. Please know that this email will be shared with the City Manager, Mayor and Council.

Q: I would like to ask that we change our garbage collection to just once a week and have plastic bins, one for recycling and one for non-recycled trash. We are putting ridiculous amounts of plastic bags into our environment. Carrollton is doing it and it’s working great. Why can’t Irving? The amount of money for the bins will certainly be paid for in reduced pick up. Or the homeowner could be responsible for paying for them.

 A: Thank you for contacting the BFF email. This is an issue that the City Council and the Mayor have been looking at. Please know that this email will be shared with them as well as the Director of Solid Waste Services Travis Switzer. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any further budget suggestions.

Q: I know the City of Irving is seeking input for the 22-23 annual budget. I would like to suggest for consideration several service points increases/improvements within the Fire department. First, with the increase in population both during the day and evening of the entertainment/business district Fire Station 8 covers that  a paramedic ambulance/MICU be added full time at Station 8. This station which also includes a ladder truck is constantly being dispatched to traffic incidents along the highways that once surrounded the Texas stadium site. 

A MICU is dispatched from a different outlying station which increases response time and leaves a void in the district that the MICU was dispatched from creating a domino effect in surrounding areas if that district is in need of a MICU during the same period of time which happens frequently. In addition, Medic 8 would supplement current staffing of Station 8 which is the HAZMAT station for the city of Irving. 

An additional request would be to increase the staffing of all ladder trucks to four members. The city has seen the safety benefits of the IFD Blocker program which are housed in conjunction with the ladder companies. An additional member would increase operational efficiency of this added duty to the company. In addition, the ladder trucks provide initial rescue capabilities for entrapments while Station 6 is responding with its rescue. Station 6 is located on the western side of Irving next to DFW airport. The response time for the rescue could be considerable if during high commute times or inclement weather. In addition Station 6 might already be on a call and unavailable for assignment. Currently, the officer on the truck is overseeing the rescue while the other two firefighters are performing the rescue. An additional firefighter would increase the safety for all personnel on scene and expedite the removal of the entrapped victim. 

This same job function can be applied with structure fires. You have the officer overseeing the job function with the firefighters performing the necessary task. These task are very labor intensive while two can make do, an additional firefighter makes this dangerous function more manageable. Thank you taking the time to read my input for the fiscal 22-23 budget.

A: Thank you for contacting the BFF email. Your insightful commentary is appreciated. Please know that this email will be shared with the City Council and Mayor as well as Fire Chief Victor Conley. 

Q: Would recommend plans to fix up and utilize the pool at Lee Park. It is currently in disrepair after two seasons without use and water just sits in it. Could be used for pool again or part of it changed to a splash pad. Many families in these areas have young kids that would love to utilize it.

A: Thank you for contacting the BFF email. Mr. Moses who is the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Irving has hired a consultant to evaluate the pools in Irving and the findings from the consultant will be presented to the City Council and Mayor. At that time further direction will be provided. 

Currently all pools citywide are facing a shortage of staff to operate them, there are over 70 summer lifeguard positions unfilled. If you would like further information please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Moses, his information is below. 

Joe Moses | Parks and Recreation Director
Email: jmoses@cityofirving.org
Phone: (972) 721-2501

Q: Hello, I was looking through the budget this year and I wanted to find more details on the "Bear" armored vehicle mentioned as necessary Police capital in slide 113 of the budget. I couldn't see explanations for cost or usage. Any additional info would be great thanks.

A: Thank you for contacting the BFF email. The vehicle that you are inquiring about is an armored vehicle that officers use when responding to a tactical situation. The Irving Police Dept. was awarded grant funds that allowed for the purchase of a smaller bear armored vehicle in the amount of $141,924.

Q: Good day. The city has done a good job of balancing its budget. Please be careful of letting the pension funding get out of hand as this has doomed more than a few cities. Borrowing money to pay another debt is a tricky road to walk and usually doesn't end well.

A: We appreciate your input and concernment for the pension. Please know that there are financial reports that give a financial summary of the City of Irving’s debt and financial standing. The link to these pages is below. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any future concerns or questions. Have a great week.

https://www.cityofirving.org/974/Financial-Reports

A: Thank you for contacting the Ask the Budget Fiscal Friends. We appreciate your input regarding parks, pools, and trees. Please know that your input is important and will be shared with Joe Moses, director of Parks and Recreation, along with the City Council and Mayor.

Thank you for contacting the BFF’s email. Please know that for the upcoming fiscal year 2022-2023, the City Manager is proposing to lower the tax rate for the City of Irving. 

For further information, please see the City of Irving’s website. There is also a City Council budget retreat taking place on Aug. 19. During this retreat there will be further information about how the budget for next year is planned and what key areas of the city are being addressed with the proposed budget.

Q: Are there NOT ANY "exemptions" for persons over the age of 65? I am an 87-year-old male living on a small pension from American Airlines & Social Security. The tax rate "approved by the voters" does not take in consideration of facts, like these.

A: This upcoming fiscal year the City Council increased the Over 65/disabled Person exemption to $50,000 from $45,000 for property tax relief. To apply for this exemption, visit the Dallas County Appraisal District’s website. Also, the City of Irving’s website has more information about the tax exemption and how to apply.

Northwest Park has retention ponds, and unfortunately after heavy rains we often have litter left behind. Our team will take care of this.

Q: I recently heard that our trash pick up is being reduced to once weekly and I was wondering if my taxes will be reduced accordingly? If my taxes are not being reduced I am wondering why that might be. I eagerly await your response and appreciate your time.

A: Thank you for reaching out to us regarding solid waste services. We continue experiencing a very significant employee shortage in solid waste collections despite a number of measures we have implemented. In solid waste collections there are 74 approved positions. Currently, the collection services require 61 individuals each day to cover all collections (trash, recycling, brush/bulky). Once vacancies, sick, vacation, and other leave is considered the actual number of employees available each day is 48. Meaning each day collection crews operate with 35 percent fewer people than approved and are working six days a week instead of their scheduled four, 10‐hour days. 

A comprehensive analysis of the city’s solid waste collection system is in the works; however, until the analysis is complete, we anticipate the employee shortage continuing. Therefore, the interim strategy in which you are aware is being implemented providing weekly collection services on a set schedule with the available current staffing level. The interim collection service, which contains a once‐a‐week collection model, allows for all services to continue with the current staffing level. 

While the frequency of weekly trash collection is changing, unfortunately, the volume of trash being collected by city crews is not changing ‐ meaning, the same amount of trash is being collected. Additionally, the monthly solid waste rate is built to fund collection operations, but it also funds necessary landfill capital improvements, and necessary vehicle replacements. Therefore, a reduction in the monthly solid waste rate is not possible. 

We understand the interim changes may not be ideal. However, we must deal with the very real staffing shortages we are experiencing and continue providing excellent service. Our goal is to bring a permanent collection solution to City Council for their consideration as quickly as possible. Here is a link to an interactive map in which addresses can be entered to determine the Oct. 1 new collection day. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through the employee shortage.