City of The Colony Electronic Newsletter • Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021

City Council approves new budget, again lowers tax rate

During its regular meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 7, The Colony City Council approved the FY 2021-22 city budget and property tax rate. The new budget includes funding for:

Five new The Colony Police officers;
Six new Public Works employees;
Six new TCFD firefighter/paramedics;
$7.8M for construction and equipment for Firehouse No. 5 in The Tribute;
$9.5M for street/alley/sidewalk repairs;
$3.1M for park improvements and equipment;
$4.1M for water quality maintenance/improvement; and,
$600K for storm water drainage improvements.

The Council also lowered the tax rate a 1/2-cent to $0.65 cents per $100 valuation. This makes the 21st straight year the Council has either reduced the tax rate or kept it flat. Residents are encouraged to view video of the budget presentation from Aug. 17 on the city's website. The 2021-22 Preliminary Budget is also available to review online.

Cascades/Grandscape Trail now open

Great turnout for our ribbon-cutting event on Aug. 28 for the opening of the Cascades/ Grandscape Trail! Many thanks to everyone who came out for a stroll or bike ride along the brand new trail, which travels underneath the tollway connecting the Cascades and Grandscape. The north trailhead is in the southeast corner of the Cascades development near Courtyard by Marriott. The trail ends at the intersection of Destination Drive and Grandscape Boulevard. Special thanks to City Council members Richard Boyer and Brian Wade, members of the Community Development Corp., and the project development team for cutting the ribbon.

Daddy-Daughter Dance set for Sept. 18

The Colony Parks & Recreation Department is hosting its 16th annual Daddy & Daughter Dance at the Cascades Events Center on Saturday, Sept. 18. Arrive in your semi-casual attire and dance the night away amid sparkling tiaras and colorful balloons! Welcoming all daddies and their little angels (ages 3-12). Light refreshments provided. Choose your dance time: 3 p.m.; 5 p.m.; or 7 p.m. Cost is $35 per couple; $10 each additional daughter (same dance time). Tickets may be purchased at http://playtc.ticketleap.com. Also, corsage & boutonniere are $12 (color choice: red, white OR pink). For more info, call Parks & Recreation at 972-625-1106.

Neighbors helping neighbors

#DYK? The City of The Colony's Volunteer Assistance Program (VAP) is available for residents who may need assistance maintaining their properties. In concert, the program seeks to build a coalition of volunteers within the community to aid in this process with the overall goal of keeping our neighborhoods vibrant and beautified. To learn more about how the program can help your or how you can get involved as a volunteer, visit www.TheColonyTx.gov/VAP or call 972-624-3159.

Great news! Keep Texas Beautiful has awarded Keep The Colony Beautiful a 2021 Rebuilding Texas Fund Grant, which will be used to renovate the landscaping at City Hall & The Colony Public Library during an upcoming event on Sept. 25. We'd love to have you come help with the facelift! Limited spots available. Click the photo to sign-up today! For more information, call 972-624-3159.

Annual City-Wide Fall Clean-Up Oct. 16

Mark those calendars! The City of The Colony and Republic Services will be hosting the City-Wide Fall Clean-Up from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 16, in the parking lot of Hawaiian Falls. Residents of The Colony may bring trash and refuse, such as large tree limbs, furniture, appliances, lumber, remodeling debris, fencing materials and scrap metal for convenient disposal. Click the photo to visit our website for all the details, including what you can and can't bring, or call us at 972-624-3131.

What else is In THE News?

On Aug. 31, The Colony Police Department bid farewell to Lt. Chuck Wood, who retired after a 32-year career in law enforcement. Lt. Wood was recognized for his professionalism and dedication to youth education programs. His experience and leadership will be missed. The City wishes him all the best in his retirement!
Join us for the 15th annual Bow-Wow Luau THIS Sunday, Sept. 12, at Hawaiian Falls Waterpark in The Colony! Come have a blast at doggie splash day as our four-legged friends take over the park. Purchase your tickets online in advance to reserve your spot. It's a splashin' good time! Call Parks & Recreation at 972-625-1106 for more information.
Movies in the Park is back! Grab your chairs, blankets and friends and come on out to The Colony Five Star Complex (4100 Blair Oaks) to enjoy a FREE movie under the stars on Friday, Sept. 17, featuring Croods 2: A New Age. Gates open at 6:45 p.m.; movie starts approximately 7:45 p.m. For more information, call Parks & Recreation 972-625-1106.
An afternoon of family fun - exclusively for moms and sons - awaits at the Mother-Son Adventure Night, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 25, at Lions Club Park. This event encourages moms and sons to explore all things outdoors in a fun and exciting way! Test your skills at archery, fishing, geocaching and many other camping/outdoor activities. Ages 3-7 is from noon to 3 p.m.; with ages 8-12 from 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets are available online. For more info, call Parks & Recreation at 972-625-1106.