City of The Colony E-Newsletter • Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023

City Council OKs property tax Homestead Exemption

On June 6, The Colony City Council unanimously approved an amendment to the city’s Code of Ordinances that allows homeowners to claim an annual 1-percent or a minimum $5,000 homestead exemption on their property taxes, whichever is greater. Mayor Richard Boyer said this vote won’t solve everyone’s tax bill but it’s another step forward in the City Council’s continued commitment to doing whatever it can to address property tax concerns in the community.

“This is the first time in the history of this city … that we’ve brought [a homestead exemption] as an agenda item,” he said, adding his gratitude to the rest of the Council for discussing and approving this measure. “We’re trying to do something in addition to the constant rate reductions we’ve done for the last 20 years.”

By approving the ordinance before July 1, the Denton County Central Appraisal District (DCAD) has time to incorporate this change into their processes for next year’s property tax assessment. If you've previously been eligible and applied for homestead exemptions through DCAD, then you do not need to take any action to receive the city's new exemption.

Visit our website for more information. To view your exemptions, visit DCAD online, then click the dropdown menus for Taxpayer Info/Property Search to look up your residence.

Dogs and people at the Bow Wow Luau at Hawaiian Falls 2023

Bow Wow Luau set for Sept. 24

Bow Wow Luau tickets are LIVE! Bring your pup out for a day of fun from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, at Hawaiian Waters. There will be games, giveaways, and lots of quality time for you and your four-legged friends! Call Parks & Recreation at 972-625-1106 for more information. Click the photo above to purchase your tickets today!

Hero of the Month

#Kudos! TCFD Capt. Jesse Grahl (third from right) was recognized last week at The Colony Firehouse No. 3 by Scheels as its Hero of the Month. Scheels also recognized the crews of Squad 18A and Medic 13A. Great job, everyone, and thanks for all you do to serve this community! Click the photo to watch a recent CBS11 news story and learn more about the great things happening at The Colony Fire Department.

Pavilion at The Colony Five Star Complex

New partner to oversee improvements at The Colony Five Star Complex

The City of The Colony and The Athletic Club (TAC) have entered into a long-term partnership to provide new and enhanced recreational, sports, fitness and entertainment programming at the Five Star Complex starting Sept. 1, 2023. A presentation from representatives of TAC will be on the agenda for the City Council meeting on Aug. 15. The presentation will provide the community the opportunity to learn more about the city's new partnership with TAC.

Flyer promoting The Colony PD's Citizen Police Academy starting Sept. 7

Enrollment open for Citizens Police Academy

The Colony Police Department's Citizens Police Academy Class 48 is scheduled to begin Sept. 7. Send an email to Ofc. Brian Lee at [email protected] if you are interested in attending this class. Click the photo for more information about the program.

On Tuesday, July 25, the Denton County Commissioners Court enacted a county-wide burn ban, effective immediately. High temperatures and dry conditions increase the risk of wildfires, and everyone must do their part to prevent potential disasters. This burn ban is an essential step in safeguarding our community and natural surroundings during this sensitive time. What it means: 1) Outdoor burning is prohibited; 2) Outdoor cooking is prohibited unless in a propane/natural gas grill with a full enclosure. Wood/Charcoal must have a complete enclosure and a 5' radius around it clear of vegetation and/or combustible materials; and, 3) Per the Denton County Fire Marshal's office, a violation of this order is a Class C Misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500.

"Lightyear" to show at Movies in the Park on Sept. 8

Movies in the Park: Sept. 8 at Kids Colony

There's two more Movies in the Park events for 2023. The next is a FREE showing of "Lightyear" on Friday, Sept. 8, at Kids Colony Park, 5151 North Colony Blvd. Gates open at 6:45 p.m.; movie starts approximately 7:45 p.m. The final Movies in the Park of 2023 will be a showing of "Casper" on Sept. 29. For more information, call Parks & Recreation at 972-625-1106.

What else is In THE News?

Many cities across North Texas and the state are considering adopting measures to address the growing concerns surrounding short-term rentals operating within city limits. In light of this, The Colony City Council has scheduled a series of public hearings over the next few regular Council meetings in which anyone wishing to share their thoughts and perspectives on the subject of short-term rentals operating within The Colony are invited to attend. The short-term rental public hearings will be held in conjunction with the regularly scheduled City Council meetings occurring at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month in the Council Chambers of The Colony City Hall, 6800 Main St. Residents are encouraged to review the city's current policies regarding short-term rentals on the city's website, https://www.thecolonytx.gov/1255/Short-Term-Rentals.
The filing period for the November 2023 City Council Election is underway now through 5 p.m. Aug. 21. This year, Places 3, 4, 5, and 6 are up for election for three-year terms. More info, including forms and applications, is available on our website, TheColonyTx.gov.
Don't forget: Annual weather conditions have necessitated continued implementation of Phase 1 of the City's Drought Contingency Plan (PDF). Residents are encouraged to follow a twice weekly watering schedule determined by your address. Visit www.TheColonyTx.gov/water (PDF) for more information.