Mayor’s Message – Residents responsible for investing in Plano
Managing the budget of a city the size of Plano can sometimes be an overwhelming task, regardless of the economic climate. In this article I’ll just skim the surface of how our city receives money for day-to-day operations. The two main sources of city revenue are ad valorem property tax and sales tax.
The city’s general fund is where ad valorem tax payments are collected and where the majority of the city’s operating funds are kept. Ad valorem tax is based on the assessed value of real property, such as a home, land or building. If you own property in Plano, you pay a current tax rate of $0.4886 per $100 valuation for your property. It is one of the lowest tax rates in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The city of Plano also offers a homestead exemption of 20 percent, which can actually lower your tax rate to 0.3908.
This is the third article in a series that expands on how local government in Plano works. Read More
Celebrate Memorial Day at Sunset at Memorial Park
The Blue Star Mothers of America - Lone Star Chapter 6, Casey Joyce All-America VFW Post 4380 and American Legion Harding-Blaine Post 321 will host Sunset at Memorial Park on Monday, May 28. This community remembrance begins at 7 p.m. at the Plano Veterans Memorial in Memorial Park, 2101 Bay Hill Dr. Details for the event are available at www.planosunsetmemorial.webs.com.
Breathe Easier with Air Quality Index Alerts
As we head into summer, the ozone levels’ impact on air quality becomes a bigger concern, particularly for children, older adults and people with lung disease, such as asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis. Fortunately through our regional partnership with Air North Texas, we have access to a website, www.airnorthtexas.org, which offers tips on how we can alter our behavior on bad ozone days. Here you can also sign up for email alerts, so you’ll be prepared when the Air Quality Index dips into the orange, red or purple levels.
Letter to Residents from the City Manager
Click the letter to read more about the Service Line Warranty Program.
Utility Line Protection Program Now Available to Residents
The City of Plano is introducing a new optional Service Line Warranty Program to homeowners which provides low cost, worry-free warranty protection for sewer and water lines. Many citizens are unaware they are responsible for the sewer and water lines 
located between their houses and the point of utility maintenance. The Program, provided through the National League of Cities, administered by Service Line Warranties of America, offers citizens an affordable way to avoid the unexpected and often large expense involved with a sewer or water line break.
What's Your Idea?
Engage Plano!
EngagePlano.com is an online town hall meeting where citizens’ ideas and suggestions are welcome and wanted! The site will be live
May 1, so sign up today! Plano is listening!