Core Values

At the City Council planning work session on November 3, 2005, City Council enumerated its goals and objectives for the upcoming fiscal year and beyond. Several goals, particularly in municipal finance, were discussed to charter a clear policy direction for the long term.

To formally articulate these policies, City staff developed a Core Value Statement. The Core Value Statement is intended to (1) express the overriding priorities of the City, (2) state the character and nature of government in Benbrook, and (3) serve as a guide for future City Councils.

City Council met in two work sessions to complete the Core Value Statement. The document includes written commitments to:

• Protect and enhance the quality of life.
• Govern with efficiency and high character.
• Be inclusive and communicative with Benbrook citizens.
• Emphasize excellence in core services like public safety.
• Ensure financial stability and utilize future revenue growth wisely.
• Employ only the most qualified City staff through market competitive compensation and benefits.

The Core Value Statement also establishes specific financial goals and includes written commitments to:

• Place a minimum of 70% of all future sales tax revenue increases in a separate fund for major, pay-as-you-go projects.
• Place 100% of all proceeds derived from gas and oil land lease including lease bonus and royalties in a separate fund for major, pay-as-you-go projects.
• Require a super majority of City Council for use of sales tax fund and gas and oil lease royalties fund revenues.
• Maintain a cash reserves policy of at least 3 months operating expenses.
• Keep total annual debt service payments below 20% of the City budget.

The Core Value Statement represents the fundamental policy of Benbrook governance.

CORE VALUE STATEMENT

Quality of Life

The City of Benbrook endeavors to ensure that Benbrook remains a great City by implementing legislation, policy, projects, and services that protect and enhance quality of life now and for future generations.

Tenants of Governance

The City of Benbrook will provide governance that is effective, efficient, and equitable.

Character of Governance

The City of Benbrook will govern with attentiveness, compassion, creativity, dedication, dependability, discretion, enthusiasm, fairness, flexibility, honesty, humility, resourcefulness, respect, thoroughness, wisdom and without bias.

Inclusive Governance

The City of Benbrook believes that inclusive, communicative, open government is best.

Services, Programs and Projects

The City of Benbrook will provide services, programs and projects that enhance the quality of life by assuring that:

1. Public safety is emphasized.
2. City infrastructure is well maintained.
3. Recreation and cultural opportunities are abundant.
4. Development and growth is orderly and strategic.
5. Neighborhoods and business corridors are attractive, clean and safe.

Financial Stability

The City of Benbrook is committed to providing the best value for taxpayer dollars and to ensure that financial resources are available to invest in community priorities. To protect long-term financial stability, the City will:

1. Continually strive to diversify its tax base.
2. Conservatively estimate revenue receipts.
3. Fund core services through reliable, predictable revenue sources.
4. Predicate expenditures on need, not revenues.
5. Utilize additional revenue sources prudently.
6. Place a minimum of 70% of all future sales tax revenue increases in a separate fund for major, pay-as-you-go projects.
7. Place 100% of all proceeds derived from gas and oil land lease including lease bonus and royalties in a separate fund for major, pay-as-you-go projects.
8. Require a super majority of City Council for use of sales tax fund and gas and oil lease royalties fund revenues.
9. Maximize grant funding.
10. Maintain a cash reserves policy of at least 3 months operating expenses.
11. Keep total annual debt service payments below 20% of the City budget.
12. Continue “pay-as-you-go” when possible.
13. Regularly update the City's long-range financial plan.
14. Maintain a high quality bond rating.
15. Hold the line on the current property tax rate and reduce future tax rates as prudent and possible.

Professional Staff

Through market competitive compensation/benefits and a quality work environment, the City of Benbrook will recruit and retain only the most qualified, professional employees for City service.