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SMITHVILLE — While the city remains financially stable and debt-free, Smithville officials say more funding is needed to complete key infrastructure projects in the coming year.
At the first of four scheduled budget workshops held June 18, City Council discussed potential cost savings and departmental cuts to help support future development. The conversation centered on balancing current revenue with long-term project needs.
City Manager Robert Tamble presented the city’s latest audit for the 2023–24 fiscal year, which received a “clean” rating—meaning the city’s financial statements were deemed accurate and reliable. For the upcoming 2024–25 fiscal year, Tamble said revenues are expected to exceed expenditures, boosted by gains in hotel occupancy and sales tax collections.
“Our assets exceeded our liabilities, and this is a function of increasing revenue, reducing costs and applying best known methods in your financial approach to your budget,” Tamble said. “We’re very proud of that. That’s one of the larger increases in that position that (the city) has had in five years.”
Still, city leaders say that available funds aren’t sufficient to cover needed improvements, including citywide street repairs, paving, wastewater upgrades and regional drainage solutions.
Mayor Pro Tem Jimmy Jenkins suggested that the city manager and department heads work to identify between $600,000 and $800,000 in savings to help fund those efforts.
During the June 9 council meeting, Jenkins said he sometimes chooses alternate routes around town to avoid potholes. However, in the June 18 workshop, the council proposed cutting $75,000 initially earmarked for roadwork infrastructure.
Ultimately, according to Tamble, the council and community must work together to make tough decisions.
“What do you want? What do you need? What can you live without? What can you live with?” he asked.
City officials emphasized that no utility fee increases are currently being considered.
“This is a process that will continue,” Tamble said.
The next budget workshop is scheduled for 5 p.m. July 23 at City Hall.
The June 18 session lasted more than five hours, and Jenkins said he expects another lengthy discussion next month.
City council meetings are open to the public and are also available to stream at ci.smithville.tx.us.
