City of The Colony Electronic Newsletter • Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019

Council approves tax-rate decrease, FY2019-20 budget

During its most-recent regular meeting on Sept. 17, The Colony City Council formally approved the city's FY2019-20 budget, which includes a 1/4-cent reduction to the city's tax rate from $0.6625/$100 valuation to $0.66. This is the 19th-straight year the Council has either reduced or held flat the tax rate. The new budget also includes six new paramedics and five new police officers, as well as continued training and equipment upgrades throughout public safety departments. The City Council also approved a 10-percent discount on water and sewer charges for military veterans and a property tax-ceiling for qualifying disabled or elderly homeowners, much like the homestead exemption already in place at the county level. The new budget also includes a 5-percent increase to the city's utility rate. More details about these programs and changes will be available soon. In other business, the Council:

recognized Colin Neal Holmes for receiving the Eagle Scout Court of Honor;
proclaimed Sept. 16-22 as "Constitution Week" in The Colony;
appointed Mark Holliday to the Planning & Zoning Commission;
appointed Ken Flow to the Keep The Colony Beautiful Board; and,
approved a construction services contract in the amount of $1.9M with Willco Underground for the Phase 1 Austin Ranch Force Main Project.

World-class golf returns to The Colony!

We're just days away from the 2019 Volunteers of America Classic, the only LPGA Tour event in the state of Texas and the pinnacle of female professional athletics in the region. This year's VOA Classic will take place Sept. 30 to Oct. 6 at the Old American Golf Club in The Colony. Daily ($15) and weekly ($25) tickets are available through the event website. In addition to world-class golf, the VOA Classic features the following family and community events: Inaugural Women’s Leadership Summit, Oct. 1; a Women in Play Luncheon, Oct. 2; and The Tribute Trail 5K, Oct. 5. See you on the links!

Red Bull racing toward Sept. 28

Austin Ranch in The Colony will be the epicenter of the soapbox racing circuit on Saturday, Sept. 28, as the Red Bull Soapbox Race returns to DFW! Come out, hang out, and join in the fun as you witness the signature creativity of this unique event. There will be food, drinks, and live entertainment. The race is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with gates opening at 10 a.m. Nearby residents (as well as those throughout the community) are encouraged to check out the road closures along Windhaven Parkway associated with the event. Closures are scheduled for both before and after race day (Sept. 25-29). Visit the Red Bull Soapbox Race website for all the details, including parking, ride-shares, and more!

World Trade Center steel moves to new firehouse

During a special memorial ceremony on 9/11, the city's piece of World Trade Center steel was moved from Central Station on an ambulance and installed at its new home at Fire Station No. 4. Speakers included Mayor Joe McCourry, Fire Chief Scott Thompson, CDC President Kathy Braby, and special guest John Walters from FDNY. Thanks to everyone who came out for this special night, which also featured tours of the new station. The wreaths pictured behind the steel were made by students from the city's elementary schools in honor of first-responders.

TCPD in Austin for Fitzpatrick's Star of Texas Award

Fallen TCPD Sgt. Fitzpatrick receives Star of Texas Award

On Sept. 11 in Austin, ?members of The Colony Police Department joined with the family of fallen TCPD Sgt. David Fitzpatrick as they received the Star of Texas Award from the Governor's Office. The Texas Legislature created the Star of Texas Award to honor Texas peace officers, firefighters, and emergency medical first-responders who are seriously injured or have died in the line of duty. Sgt. Fitzpatrick suffered a heart attack June 7 while on duty and later succumbed to his injuries on June 10. He was a 28-year veteran of TCPD.

Books & Brews Fest set for Sunday @ Lava Cantina

Join The Colony Public Library from 6-10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, at Lava Cantina for Books & Brews Fest 2019! This fundraising event features the Emerald City Band, live and silent auctions (including sports memorabilia, vacation packages, and local goods), and more! The event benefits Friends of The Colony Public Library's efforts in support of TCPL's programs and services. Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased online. See you at Lava on Sunday!

What else is In THE News?

Birds of Prey demonstration: Hawks, owls, and other aerial assassins will glide through The Colony on Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Annex, as your Keep The Colony Beautiful Board hosts another Birds of Prey demonstration. Get your tickets today! More information available online.
Southbound Morning Star road closures: Motorists are advised that both southbound lanes of Morning Star between Memorial & Crescent will be closed for roadwork 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily Sept. 16-20. One lane will be reopened after 2 p.m. each day and overnight. Detour signage will direct motorists around the construction to businesses south of the work site. More details on our website.
City-Wide Fall Clean-Up: There's a lot going on between now and Oct. 19, but make sure you've got the date saved for our annual City-Wide Fall Clean-Up at Hawaiian Falls. Visit our website for more details or call Environmental Services at 972-624-3131.