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City of Waco - Public Financial Report
Visions 2021 ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL REVIEW - WACO, TEXAS Continuing to provide quality services related to strategic goals Find the 2021 revenues and expenditures for the City Updates to various statistics throughout the city by year Financials StatisticsWaco Goals WE L O V E W A C O Le a d e r s h i p Waco City Council Strategic Goals The Vision for Waco: Our home where everyone belongs and thrives while moving foward together. DILLONMEEK ANDREA J. BAREFIELD ALICE RODRIGUEZ KELLY PALMER JOSH BORDERUD JIMHOLMES MAYOR DISTRICT ONE DISTRICT TWO DISTRICT FOUR DISTRICT THREE Mayor Pro Tem DISTRICT FIVE Build a High-Performing Government Create a Culture of Equity & Inclusion Enhance Quality of Life Facilitate Economic Development Provide a Safe & Reslilient City Improve Infrastructure Support Sustainability The Vision for Waco: Our home where everyone belongs and thrives while moving foward together. A l o o k i n s i d e City Council, Waco Mayor & City Manager 2, 4-5 6-7 8-10 11 12-13 17 14-15 18-19 16 20-21 22 - 2 3 Communications & Marketing, Municipal Court, Fleet/Purchasing Parks & Recreation, Neighborhoods, Library, Animals Services Information on the calendar year 2021 Texas Ranger, Waco Mammoth, Zoo, Health City Organization, Community Services Police, Emergency Management, Fire Water Utility Services, Public Works Solid Waste & Recycling CVB, Airport, Area Development Re v e n u e s & E x p e n s e s Vi s i o n s 2 0 2 1 LeadershipMessages High-Performing Government Enhance Quality of Life Waco Statistics Support Sustainablity Facilitate Economic Dev Fi n a n c i a l s Enhance Quality of Life (cont.)Culture of Equity & Inclusion Safe & Resilient City Improve Infrastructure WacoLeadership VISIONS4 Mayor’sMessage Dillon Meek Waco Mayor It has been my honor to serve the residents of Waco as Mayor this past year. At its core – Waco is a great city because of the good people who make Waco their home. That has never shone through more than in 2021 – from enduring the ongoing pandemic to weathering a historic ice storm, to the day-to-day lives we live, Wacoans time and time again showed that we are a city full of good people, rooted in timeless values like integrity, grit, and resilience. Waco is a remarkable city in a remarkable moment of opportunity, and I am grateful to those who came before me who have helped us arrive at this unique moment. Wacoans are innovators – advancing our city forward with proactivity and strategy. The business of the city is a team sport and everyone in Waco is on that team. I couldn’t be more thankful to get to serve with you. The City of Waco is served by a dedicated and hard-working city staff. We have a long legacy of that, but this team is raising the bar on what it means to implement proactive and strategic plans that advance our economy and quality of life. Despite the pandemic and the historic Winter Storm Uri, Waco continued to achieve great things in 2021. We funded over $118 million in capital improvements in the 2021-2022 fiscal year, the largest single year investment in Waco history. The greater Waco area experienced a record-breaking year for economic development, including the City’s best year on record with over $500 million announced for new industrial investment and over 1,500 jobs added to the Waco workforce. Tourism and recreation recovered in most areas to pre-pandemic levels: both Cameron Park Zoo and the Waco National Monument saw revenue levels that exceeded 2018 and 2019 pre-pandemic numbers. I am so proud to represent this community and lead this organization. In this report you will see the many accomplishments and highlights that come from an organization aligned to its goals and values. We are fortunate to have Bradley Ford as City Manager. He, along with the city management team and the department directors within the city, have led over 1,500 city employees to continue to deliver the many programs and services highlighted here. Dillon Meek Waco Mayor VISIONS 5 Reflecting on the previous year, we can take pride in how Waco and its residents have grown even closer together. City Manager I am pleased to present this Annual Report for 2021. This report includes a financial summary, Waco-area statistics, and snapshots of accomplishments from our city departments, as they relate to our strategic goals set forth by Waco City Council. This year brought us many challenges with the COVID pandemic still a factor in operations, major infrastructure improvements, and a winter storm that challenged just about every aspect of our organization. Through it all, our city employees remained committed to serving our residents and their resilience never ceases to amaze me. With Waco City Council’s leadership, and our staff’s love of service, Waco’s future remains bright! In this brief summary of 2021’s highlights and accomplishments, we hope the organization conveys that Waco is our home, where everyone belongs and thrives while moving forward together. Waco City Manager Bradley FordDillon Meek Waco Mayor Bradley Ford Waco City Manager Leadership that is aligned- moving together toward the same vision, mission and goals. This leadership infuses the organization at all levels. Produced public service announcements and informative videos to educated residents on services and promotions. Continued maintenance of all city websites while beginning design and development of a new CIty of Waco website to launch in 2022. The new website will automate many features for residents. Produced community-partnered talk shows and promotions in-house. Created printed monthly and digital bi-weekly newsletters for residents while increasing subscribers. Maintained and increased audiences on all official City of Waco social media accounts. Communications & Marketing VISIONS6Build aHigh-Performing Government SNAPSHOTS Our residents are our most important asset. Communication and transparency, while sharing the important work of our employees, is the ultimate goal for the City organization. Possesses the ability to be nimble, flexible and adaptive and to implement and sustain continuous improvement. Puts the right systems and processes in place that facilitates rather than impedes goal attainment. Motivated employees who are committed to public service and making tomorrow’s Waco better than today’s. Maximized health and safety for citizens and employees with remote Municipal Court dockets. In addition, continued customer service accessibility for payment transactions through the Insite online portal for 3,205 transactions. Improved communication efforts to customers with 40,877 courtesy/collection calls and 125,263 text message reminders from the court’s collection agency’s automated system to defendants for payment of court fines and fees. Processed 9,473 filed traffic violations and 3,457 filed non- traffic violations; as of 12-31-21, there are 20,216 pending violations in the Municipal Court. Utilized tools such as the non-renewal/denial of driver’s licenses and collection specialists to initiate collection of an additional $2.4 million in delinquent court fines and fees. Management of, and participation in, the City’s credit card program resulted in a rebate of $220,427. Participated in various purchasing cooperatives resulting in rebates of $24,146. Facilitated 75 formal requests for Bids/Proposals/Qualifications. Performed $1,077,648.42 worth of direct labor towards equipment maintenance and repairs. Fleet/Purchasing Services VISIONS 7 Organizational structure & culture that: Municipal Court VISIONS8 Enhance Parks & Recreation Quality of Life Issued more than 100 outdoor event permits and served as the liaison for the Outdoor Events Committee and private event organizers. Signature events such as Ironman, Silobration and Juneteenth celebrations saw increased attendance numbers as events returned to an in-person format. Staff processed 673 facility rentals. Received 15 marketing awards from the Texas Festivals and Events Association’s annual marketing awards competition. This recognition included 4 gold awards for events such as Fourth on the Brazos, Waco Wonderland, and Earth Day. Events like Fourth on the Brazos at McLane Stadium’s Touchdown Alley and Waco Wonderland in downtown Waco brought a record of more than 40,000 patrons to enjoy them. Events featured live music, food trucks, vendor markets, fireworks, and holiday fun! Waco Wonderland came back to downtown with huge crowds enjoying fireworks, Santa, rides, and holiday cheer - December 2021. SNAPSHOTS Participated in community-partnered beautification projects, such as the installation of picnic tables at public libraries, pavilion improvements at Oscar DuConge Park, pocket park landscaping and maintenance at 29th and Trice, and installation of raised garden beds at the Harrison Center. Completed park enhancements such as a new playground, walking trail, pavilion and disc golf course at Trail Blazer Park. Cottonwood Creek Golf Course hosted TAPPS 1A-6A Boys and Girls State Cross- Country meets and the NCAA South Central Regional Cross-Country meet bringing more than 8,000 athletes to Waco. Community centers expanded numerous programs and continued summer camp and after-school care, serving more than 300 children. Park Rangers educated local youth participating in community center summer camps on the park ranger horse program and led outdoor activities such as kayaking and hiking in Cameron Park. Park Rangers also promoted a community-wide Earth Day clean-up in Cameron Park. Participants received a succulent as a token of appreciation for their participation. Quality of life is the extent to which one is healthy, comfortable, and able to enjoy life. Improving, intensifying or enhancing quality of life creates more enjoyment and satisfaction. VISIONS 9 Neighborhood Engagement Waco Wonderland came back to downtown with huge crowds enjoying fireworks, Santa, rides, and holiday cheer - December 2021.Rehabilitation on the historic Waco Suspension Bridge continued in 2021, with completion on schedule for 2022. Attended 76 Neighborhood Association meetings, events and assisted four Neighborhood Associations with becoming active. Worked with 18 active Neighborhood Associations as of the end of 2021 and awarded five Neighborhood Grants, totaling $14,075. Created the new Neighborhood Grant Program. Created, in partnership with Communications and Marketing, a campaign promoting awareness of Neighborhood Associations. Created the Neighborhood Leaders’ Network (quarterly group meetings with all Neighborhood Associations in attendance). Created the weekly neighborhood e-newsletter. Created, in partnership with Information Technology, the “What’s my Neighborhood” address locator on the website. Maintainedlive-exit rate in 2021 Waco-McLennanCounty Library Partnered with Waco ISD to issue eCards to students as part of the school registration process. Students may use their eCards to access eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and online databases. Continued with virtual programming for all ages began. Staff recorded 228 very popular programs, as demonstrated by the 3,350 views. Installed a new website with subject guides for specific audiences: kindergarten readiness, local history, genealogy, and tough topics. The librarian-curated guides provide information, resources, and services in an accessible online format. Teen room in the West Waco Library was renovated to provide a more welcoming and inviting space. Mural depicting historical scenes from East Waco was installed in the East Waco Library to highlight the Central Texas African American Historial Foundation’s display. In response to the many students in distance learning, the library created a Home Education collection to help parents and caregivers new to homeschooling. Animal Services Department of State Health Services (DSHS) performed the annual inspection for the Animal Shelter, Impoundment, and Rabies Quarantine Facilities in September. Passed with a “Satisfactory” facility rating, the highest rating from DSHS. Implemented department winter storm event improvements including order of new Animal Care Office 4x4 truck for use during winter weather events and other emergency conditions, procured back-up facility heaters for winter storm events, and facilitated creation of an after-action review task force for Animal Services Department and Cameron Park Zoo in response to the 2021 winter storm to evaluate staffing and resources needed to maintain operations. SpayStreet Waco program offering free and low cost to spay/neuter surgery and microchip services to Waco residents, through a partnership with the Animal Birth Control, resulted in 1,715 total spay and neuter surgeries and 1,072 pets microchipped during Fiscal Year 2021. Initiated facility improvement and other projects including Adoption Floor courtyard shade and turf improvements, new HVAC system for Adoption Floor, fire alarm and fire suppression system for Shelter facility buildings, and communication audit for Animal Services and Humane Society of Central Texas. 93% VISIONS10 Continued - Enhance Quality of Life SNAPSHOTS Statistics Booker the Elephant, the Library mascot, greets kids at the Recreation Center’s summer programs in the park. Waco-McLennanCounty Library VISIONS 11 Waco statistics continued to be impacted by COVID-19 in 2021. 2020 2021 Demographics Estimated Population (U.S. Census).........139,245 140,197 Waco MSA Population (Texas DSHS)........273,895 277,005 Average Value Single-family Home...........$315,785 $329,786 Development Single-family Home Permits Issued..........654 664 Value of Single-family Permits...................$206,582,250 $218,978,240 Commercial Construction:Permits Issued..............................................276 338 Value of Commercial Permits....................$390,922,232 $351,404,187 Municipal Employees Full Time (including Fire and Police)........1,580 1,474 Certified Police Officers..............................259 246 Certified Firefighters.................................... 204 202 Public Health Vaccinations Administered (non-COVID).....4,875 5,489 Airport Number of passengers...............................59,152 50,318 Utilities Daily Average:Water Production (in gallons)...................26,279,000 25,662,600 Daily Maximum:Water Production (in gallons)................... 45,742,000 37,603,300 Fire Hydrants................................................5,853 5,934 Water Main (in miles)..................................1,098 1,096 Sewer Main (in miles)..................................888 903 Customer Accounts.....................................45,198 46,154 Water Treatment Plants..............................3 3 Water Meters................................................48,813 49,536 Streets Miles of Streets.............................................629.8 631 Transit Passengers....................................................629,458 551,249 Days of Service.............................................308 305 Miles Driven..................................................1,934,371 1,326,739 2020 2021 City Vehicles Unleaded Gasoline Used (in gallons)...........425,684 410,572 Diesel Fuel Used (in gallons)..........................557,288 561,641 Public Safety Calls for Service - Police..................................93,716 97,095 Calls for Animal (Care) Control......................13,422 14,298 Calls for Emergency Service: (Fire, EMS, Rescue)...........................................17,742 19,804 Fire Stations.......................................................13 13 Parks & Recreation Land Maintained (in acres).............................1,658 1,748 Parks....................................................................66 66 Community Centers.........................................6 6 Creeks (in miles)................................................140 140 Public Right-of-Ways (in miles).......................56 56 Park Rangers......................................................7 7 Tourism Visitors to Texas Ranger Museum................34,479 50,912 Visitors to Waco Tourist Info Center............16,076 19,926 Waco Convention Center Events..................218 174 Visitors to the Cameron Park Zoo...............212,931 329,027 Visitors to the Waco Mammoth National Monument.........................................46,981 81,338 Library Library Locations..............................................4 4 Number of Visits...............................................197,617 162,721 Registered Cardholders..................................78,372 76,562 Total Items Borrowed......................................499,447 536,062 Solid Waste Collections Residential Customers not reported 40,205 Commercial Customers not reported 7,747 Total refuse collected (tons)not reported 85,000 Total curbside recyclables collected (tons)not reported 3,500 Customers at Cobbs Recycling Center not reported 35,133 Recyclables received at Cobbs (tons)not reported 2,200 Customers at Landfill not reported 118,825 Statistics2021 Waco MammothNational Monument Texas RangerHall of Fame & Museum VISIONS12 Continued - Enhance Quality of Life Cameron Park Zoo In January, Zoo staff welcomed the birth of a Masai Giraffe, Zeke. He is the Zoo’s first giraffe baby born in 20 years and weighed in at 135 pounds. Weathered winter storm Uri without any significant losses or injuries to our resident animals. This is a testament to our Animal Care and Maintenance staff members, many of whom spent the entire week working around the clock shifts during the storm to keep the animals safe, warm, and well cared for, despite loss of power and several broken water lines. Held the first Holiday lights event: Wild Lights, presented by Reliant and brought to you by TFNB, Your Bank for Life. The event ran 5 nights per week for 6 weeks and attracted 26,405 visitors. Zoo Adventure Camps had record attendance with 459 children taking part in 32 classes. An X-ray portal was installed in the Orangutan facility with funds provided by the Cameron Park Zoological & Botanical Society. Cameron Park Zoo veterinary and primate staff members have successfully obtained voluntary X-rays with two of the Zoo’s Orangutans. Design/development phase of the Education/Veterinary Complex is substantially complete and going to bid soon. Plans are also underway for the African Penguin habitat. Served 81,338 guests at WMNM (ranked #37 out of 72 total National Monuments). Supported two Eagle Scout projects resulting in the creation of a new promotional video and a native plant garden. Also enhanced the welcome center with new A/V equipment. National Park Service, Paleontologist Lindsey Yann, Ph.D. furthered research on the off-site collection, discovering new traces of reptiles and giant armadillos that were once found on site. Attendance recovered to 58% of pre-COVID levels—even with I-35 construction and COVID. The Education division has made available an array of Texas history lesson plans, virtual classroom programs, teacher development programs, videos and home school resources for schools unable to attend in person due to the pandemic. Received three international tourism awards: the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award presented to the top 10% of attractions, the True West magazine Reader’s Choice Best Western History Museum Award, and the Three Best Rated Certificate of Excellence as one of the three best attractions in Waco. The Tobin and Anne Armstrong Texas Ranger Research Center responded to 2,786 Texas Ranger history research requests from genealogists, authors, documentary producers, students, teachers, and institutions. Staff worked with the History Channel and CW Network on two series, “The Real Texas Rangers” in conjunction with the reboot of “Walker Texas Ranger” and “Beyond Oak Island” on Texas outlaw Sam Bass. Combined viewership was estimated at 4 million households. The zoo was chosen as one of TripAdvisor’s Top 50 Zoos in the United States. It remains Waco’s second most visited attraction. SNAPSHOTS National Park Service, Paleontologist Lindsey Yann, Ph.D A division of the Parks & Recreation Department, also a part of the National Parks Service. Groundbreaking on the Hoofstock Barn, August 2021, as part of a bond election to include a new education center and penguin exhibit. VISIONS 13 Received an additional $1.7 million grant to address COVID-19 vaccine delivery and equitable allocation. Also awarded, $1.1 million to expand the public health workforce, and awarded $500,000 from the Texas Department of State Health Services to address health equity and health disparities in McLennan County. Provided mass vaccination COVID-19 vaccine clinics at various locations across the County; 65,692 doses of COVID-19 vaccine has been administered and 516 off-site vaccine clinics held; maintained COVID-19 community testing sites throughout the Delta and Omicron variant surges of the pandemic; Continued to provide epidemiological data collection and analysis for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Began VitalChek, an online system for requesting and purchasing birth and death certificates, to decrease in-person wait time. Continued the use of the mobile unit to service Women’s, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants with emphasis on contactless issuance of WIC benefits; utilized the Waco Area WIC Facebook page to provide required nutrition education, breastfeeding support, cooking demonstrations, and general information to clients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Environmental Health responded to 304 citizen complaints with 88.50% of those being food-related. There were 241 pool and spa (public/semipublic) inspections complete and 90 childcare inspections comleted for the County. Tuberculosis Prevention and Care Program administered 423 doses to clients in Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) for active TB infection and 418 doses of Directly Observed Preventative Therapy (DOPT) for latent TB infection; worked closely with medical clinics and local school districts to ensure students, faculty and clients received the most current information and care. Immunizations Clinic and Outreach services reopened to walk-in services in June 2020 just in time to assist with back-to-school vaccines. HIV/STD Program implemented a Community Advisory Board (CAB) to receive input from HIV positive individuals regarding the delivery of care. In addition, the program received a $57,334 increase in grant funding. Lolohi, the two-toed sloth from the Honolulu Zoo in Hawaii.National Park Service, Paleontologist Lindsey Yann, Ph.D Waco-McLennan County Public Health District 47,983 @: Mass Clinics 10,909 @: Community Clinics 6,800 doses @: Health DistrictCO V I D - 1 9 Va c c i n a t i o n s The Health District Administered: VISIONS14 Initiated new community events this year, like the Back to School Bash, an event giving away more than 700 backpacks with school supplies, provided free haircuts, gift cards, vaccinations. Also created the first annual ‘Trunk or Treat’ Event, serving and engaging with thousands of Waco residents. Implemented the Waco PD ‘On the Beat’ weekly Podcast featuring crime prevention tips, many of our officers, and monthly crime statistics. Completed the selection and assignment of the Neighborhood Engagement Team (NET). This NET unit works with our neighborhood associations and other community organizations to target and reduce crime in those areas. Participated in ‘Hugs for Love’ event with Rosalyn, an amazing young lady from Louisiana, who travels the country showing her love and support for law enforcement by giving hugs to every officer she meets. Waco was one of the stops on her tour this year. Created the role of an LGBTQ Community Liaison in order to better represent all members of the community. Responded to the February 2021 Winter Storm by opening four warming centers for Waco- McLennan County residents. Successfully activated the EOC for the Ironman Festival hosting the Full and Half Ironman on back-to-back days, the first event of this nature in North America. Supported various special events in McLennan County to include Fourth on the Brazos, Magnolia Silobration, and City of Waco Winter Wonderland. Added additional agencies to the City of Waco Radio System to promote interoperable communications across McLennan County . Continue to support PPE and Rapid COVID-10 test distribution for partner agencies. In March 2021, Sheryl Victorian was sworn in as the Chief of Police for the City of Waco. Chief Victorian came to us from the Houston Police Department with her focus being on community policing. Provide aSafe & Resilient City Waco Police Department Office of Emergency Management SNAPSHOTS Chief Sheryl Victorian with Mayor Dillon Meek at her swearing-in ceremony - March 2021. The first ever Trunk or Treat event at the Police Headquarters drew huge crowds this year. Waco Fire Department recruits prepare for training - November 2021. Waco Fire’s Holiday Cheer Engine made its way around to all Waco neighborhoods on a schedule during December 2021. Fire Station #6 nears completion - November 2021. Located on the former 25th Street Theatre site, it will house fire administration and have a community room for the public to use. VISIONS 15 Introduced On-Duty Health for annual physicals and cancer screenings. Purchased second set of firefighter bunker gear to reduce exposure to cancer-causing carcinogens during fires. Added 15 new firefighters and three Customer Service, Representatives. Implemented an Emergency Medical Services Bicycle Team for fast response. Held the first Citizens Fire Academy where residents were able to learn more about how the Waco Fire Department serves the community.Office of Emergency Management Waco Fire Department The first ever Trunk or Treat event at the Police Headquarters drew huge crowds this year. SNAPSHOTS Create a Park Rangers receive an electric vehicle, one of four put into service in 2021. VISIONS16SupportSustainability Solid Waste & Recycling Added additional full-time employees to ensure quality customer service to meet the demands of the growth and development in Waco. Added additional full-time employees to create the Alley and Illegal Dumping program. This has allowed our team to serve the community more efficiently with enhanced communication and shared resources to clear alleyways. Implemented route adjustments moving about 10% of residential customers to help balance out work days to improve customer service and quality of life for staff. Cobbs Recycling Center expanded hours in 2021 to open on Monday. This facility is now open 6 days a week to better serve the community. Held special events that support both Waco Residents and the surrounding community such as District Clean Up events, Household Hazardous Waste Day, and Tire day. The City’s Fleet Department has added electric vehicles to the City’s most traveled positions. SNAPSHOTS Create aCulture of Equity & Inclusion Community Job Fair at Waco Convention Center - June 2021. VISIONS 17 Established minimum wage of $15 per hour with WMCEDC incentivized projects. Established minimum wage of $15 per hour for full-time positions at the City of Waco and launched compensation compression study to evaluate the impacts of raising the base wage. Established small business grant recovery program. Established rental/mortgage assistance program. Implemented NeoGov HR software. Initiated process to review diversity in Boards and Commissions. Initiated process to conduct a disparity study. Joined the Hispanic Leadership Network. COVID-related response programs served a total of 936 households in Waco: Emergency Rental Assistance program in partnership with McLennan County provided assistance to 356 households (937 persons) to prevent eviction or potential homelessness. Households were eligible to receive multiple services that culminated in 1,776 rental payments in the amount of $1,519,864 and 1,019 utility payments in the amount of $157,500. Provided rental assistance to 26 residents, assisted 533 individuals with 24/7 shelter care and assisted 21 homeless persons with self-isolation and quarantine. Housing programs served a total of 101 households: Completed 10 roofs for low to moderate income individuals and assisted 19 families through our home rehabilitation and lead abatement. 72 households were assisted with down payment assistance and tenant based rental assistance programs. Subrecipient Programs served a total of 450 residents: Provided services to 390 victims of domestic violence and provided a therapeutic mental health center for seven children. Provided parent and early childhood education to 53 low-income families. Residential tax abatements approved for 5 new construction homes for low- income families to provide safe and affordable housing and improve neighborhoods. Community Services (Housing & Code Compliance) City Organization SNAPSHOTS Began design of a new signal at New Road and Old Robinson Road and signal and pedestrian improvements at 19th Street and Park Lake Drive. Completed traffic studies and awarded funding for new signals at LaSalle Avenue at 3rd Street, and Valley Mills Drive at Bishop Avenue under a TxDOT safety grant. Completed 94 work orders for signs and pavement marking to improve safety at locations, including all-way stop signs and crosswalks at 8th Street and Baylor. Maintained up to 200 traffic signals for 24 hours a day and 7 days a week and in inclement weather. Completed construction of new 2-million-gallon Ritchie Road Water Tower and demolition of old tower. Completed construction of new Riverside Water Treatment Plant High Service Pump Station, increasing pumping capacity to 50 million gallons per day. Completed Hwy 84 Corridor Wastewater System Improvements (Phase 3A), constructing new 24 inch wastewater line on Val Verde Rd., Hwy 84, and Harris Creek Rd., increasing system capacity for the area. New Pretreatment Ordinance approved and implemented, updating appropriate industrial waste handling standards. Processed, researched, and collected on 200 “bad debts,” totaling over $25,000. Completed Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) meter installs and upgrades. With the help of a skilled Utilities staff working around the clock, Waco was able to maintain water levels during the winter storm in February 2021. Water Utility Services Public Works SNAPSHOTS East Waco, Elm Avenue Construction - October 2021. Construction continues on Dutton Avenue - December 2021. ImproveInfrastructure VISIONS18 Repaired 836 potholes, completed 160 development plan reviews, and 447 stormwater inspections. Completed in-house design of nine projects totaling $15 million in estimated construction costs. Also provided field survey data for 75 projects throughout city departments. Performed quality control survey checks for installation of storm and sanitary sewer utilities for developments and City projects. Water Utilities Department and Public Works Department worked collaboratively to update City of Waco Standard Details. Started creation of Streets Design Manual to simplify and create consistency among all users. Completed design to address fire damage and other identified deficiencies of 17th Street Bridge. Started Construction of Waco Drive pedestrian improvement grant project ($10 million). Public Works (cont.) Paving Washington Avenue in Downtown Waco - November 2021. Crack sealing on multiple streets took place in 2021 and continues as part of the Better Streets Program. SNAPSHOTS VISIONS 19 Many city departments directly impact economic development in Waco. A few highlights below show growth and expansion in the areas of: VISIONS20 Hello Bello opens in Waco bringing over 100 jobs. They ceremony was attended by co-founders Dax Shepard & Kristen Bell - October 2021. FacilitateEconomic Development The Waco Convention Center hosted 174 events. The website wacoheartoftexas.com, was opened in over 15,000 different cities in 189 separate countries around the world. It had over one million pageviews with the majority of views on a mobile device. Beginning in June, after being closed from January to May 2021, the Waco Tourist Information Center hosted 19,926 people. According to Smith Travel Research, annual lodging occupancy for Waco was 71.6%. Eight out of twelve months had occupancy 70%. (The 2021 average occupancy for the State of Texas was 59.3%.) Implementation of approximately $7.4 million capital improvement program projects funded by CARES Act, Airport Improvement Program funding and Cash Reserves. Completed the Passenger Loading Bridge Refurbishment Project. Completed design for the Terminal Building Modernization Project which will include a Public Art Program. Began Storm Water Line Relocation Project and Parking Lot and Driveway Paving Project. If you consider the city as the vehicle to take Waco into a brighter future, Economic Development is the fuel that powers the engine... Convention & Visitors Bureau Waco Regional Airport SNAPSHOTS Significant accomplishments in Waco account for over $500 million in new industrial investment and over 1,500 new full-time jobs. A brief list of highlights below: VISIONS 21 Hello Bello opens in Waco bringing over 100 jobs. They ceremony was attended by co-founders Dax Shepard & Kristen Bell - October 2021.Bridge Street Plaza opens in East Waco as a ‘festival street’ for people to gather and events to shine! - November 2021. Area Development Progress Space X: retention of 578 existing jobs, creation of 400 new full-time jobs with more added every year through 2026. Secured an investment of $150 million in real and personal property developments. Mars Wrigley: retained a workforce of 620 employees, and secured $31.4 million in new capital investment. Downtown Marriott AC Hotel: 182 guest rooms in downtown and conference center of 16,500 square feet. ZINKPOWER-Waco: creation of 100 new full-time jobs with benefits. Laminate Technologies of Texas: creation of 40 full-time jobs where each position is making $15 per hour. Waco Creative Arts Center: secured development of a new facility with a value of $2.8 million. In December 2021, Baylor University and the City of Waco announced an agreement to partner on the riverfront location of the Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. The new home for Baylor’s championship basketball teams will be located along the Brazos River adjacent to the University’s Clifton Robinson Tower. VISIONS22 As a municipal entity, we are tasked with the responsibility to provide the best and most efficient services within available resources. We strive to provide our citizens with the very best value for their dollars. The City of Waco Finance Department is committed to the long-term financial stability and sustainability of the city government. Departmental services are prioritized to ensure that they are addressed through the budget process and streamlined for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The City of Waco’s fiscal year is October 1st through September 30th.The largest revenue source for the City of Waco was ad valorem taxes, with $96.3 million reported in fiscal year 2021. Other important tax revenues were sales taxes of $48.7 million and franchise taxes of $14.5 million. The City’s utility funds, Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste, reported service charge revenues of $52.4 million, $42.2 million and $23.1 million respectively. These funds operate as business- type enterprises with rates designed to cover operational costs and debt payments. Operating grants and contributions (funding that may be used for operating expenses) totaled $23.3 million with capital grants and contributions (funding for capital assets) at $35.5 million. Other fees and revenues of $27.6 million were received during the fiscal year. Overall total revenues reported an increase of 10.95% as compared to the prior year, primarily due to increased property taxes, sales taxes, and capital grants and contributions. The increase in property taxes was due to growth in the tax base and new construction. Sales taxes increased from ongoing economic development activity, consumer confidence, and federal stimulus. Capital grants and contributions increased due to increased and ongoing development within the City. Financials Revenues Revenues & Expenses By Function, 3-Year Trends (2019-2021) Ad valore m taxes Public Sa f e t y Water se r v i c e charges Sales tax Wastewat e r service c h a r g e s Capital gr a n t s & contribu t i o n s Other rev e n u e s Other fee s & service c h a r g e s Franchise t a x e s Operating g r a n t s & contrib u t i o n s Solid Wa s t e service c h a r g e s 27% 14%13% 12% 10% 6% 6%5%4%3% 2019 2020 2021 Ad valorem taxes Water service charges Sales tax Wastewater service charges Operating grants & contributions Solid Waste service charge Other fees & service charges Franchise taxes Other revenues Capital grants & contributions $9 6 . 3 $9 1 . 8 $8 8 . 7 $5 3 . 1 $5 2 . 4 $5 0 . 3 $4 1 . 0 $4 8 . 7 $4 0 . 6 $3 8 . 3 $4 2 . 2 $3 4 . 4 $1 1 . 0 $3 5 . 5 $1 1 . 7 $2 9 . 0 $2 3 . 3 $1 5 . 6 $2 1 . 9 $1 4 . 8 $1 4 . 5 $1 2 . 4 $2 3 . 1 $1 8 . 0 $1 4 . 5 $9 . 6 $2 0 . 4 $1 9 . 1 $1 4 . 6 $1 9 . 5 VISIONS 23 A total of 29 percent of the City’s expenses ($79.7million) went to public safety. Police, Fire, Traffic, Emergency Management, Inspection, Municipal Court and Animal Services are reported within the public safety function. Expenses for other city services included $18.0 million for culture and recreation, $25.5 million for general government expenses, $17.6 million for Public Works, $9.6 million for Public Health, $3.8 million for other governmental expenses and $5.6 million for housing and community development. Governmental expenses increased 1.6% from prior year with increases for salaries/benefits which was partially offset by cost savings across the City and a reduction in pension expense.Expenses related to the City’s utility funds accounted for $93.5 million with $40.4 million for Water, $30.1million for Wastewater and $23.0 million for Solid Waste. Other enterprise expenses (Convention Center, Transit, Zoo, Airport, Golf Course, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, and Drainage) accounted for an additional $25.5 million in expenses. Total enterprise expenses (used to account for activities that receive significant support from fees and charges) reported a net increase of 0.6%. Increased expenses for maintenance which was partially driven up by the February 2021 winter storm event and depreciation which were partially offset by a reduction in pension expense. Expenses By Function, 3-Year Trends (2019-2021) Public Sa f e t y Water Wastewat e r General g o v e r n m e n t Other ent e r p r i s e expense s Housing & commun i t y developm e n t Other governm e n t a l expensesPublic W o r k s Public He a l t h Solid wa s t e Culture & r e c r e a t i o n Public Safety Water Wastewater Other enterprise expenses General government Solid Waste Culture & recreation Public Works Public Health Other governmental expenses Housing & Community Development 2019 2020 2021 29% 15%11% 8% 9% 8% 7%6%3%2%1% $8 2 . 5 $7 9 . 7 $8 1 . 6 $4 1 . 1 $4 0 . 4 $3 9 . 8 $2 9 . 3 $3 0 . 1 $2 7 . 2 $2 4 . 9 $2 5 . 5 $2 1 . 4 $2 6 . 6 $2 5 . 5 $2 7 . 1 $2 1 . 4 $2 3 . 0 $2 0 . 9 $1 8 . 3 $1 6 . 7 $8 . 9 $2 . 8 $3 . 3 $1 8 . 0 $1 7 . 6 $9 . 6 $5 . 6 $3 . 8 $2 0 . 0 $1 5 . 3 $9 . 2 $2 . 9 $3 . 1 View this report online by scanning code (left) or visiting waco-texas.com. Connect with the City by downloading the free, MyWaco app. About the cover: Bridge Street Plaza, a $6 million project designed to transform historic Bridge Street in East Waco into a place for community events, festivals, live music and more. project by the City of Waco and City Center Waco. It connects Elm Avenue to Martin Luther King Jr., Boulevard. Visions: Annual Report and Financial Review created in-house by the Communications & Marketing Department. © 2022