Arlington's mayor initiates first town hall meeting, tackles budget problems and city service issues
In a bid to reassure residents of the town's functioning local government and address concerns about a looming budget shortfall, Arlington Mayor Jim Ross recently held a town hall at the Bob Duncan Center. The event, titled "Arlington Works," provided a closer look at public service improvements and was attended by Council members Nikkie Hunter, Rebecca Boxall, and Long Pham, alongside approximately 70 residents.
Mayor Ross highlighted the city's achievements, including being designated as one of the most diverse large cities in America, multiple companies bringing their headquarters to Arlington, and a significant decrease in overall crime. However, he also acknowledged the challenges ahead, such as a projected $25 million budget shortfall next year.
The budget deficit, according to Mayor Ross, is due in part to the Tarrant Appraisal District's decision not to reassess property values for two years, resulting in missed property tax revenue from increased growth. To address this shortfall, the city plans to pull from its reserves, but Mayor Ross warned that this action may affect the city's credit rating, as a triple A rating can become a double A rating when reserves are used too often or too much, which increases the cost of borrowing money.
The town hall served as an opportunity for residents to engage with their elected officials and voice their concerns. The event was just one of several planned town halls, with four more scheduled: Aug. 19 at the Texas Rangers Golf Club, Sept. 30 at Boles Junior High School, Nov. 13 at ACTIV, and Jan. 13, 2026, at the Arlington City Council Chamber.
For those interested in staying informed about upcoming public meetings, the town's official calendar provides the most complete and up-to-date schedule, listing all public meetings, including Select Board, School Committee, and other town government sessions. Additionally, school-related events can be found on the Arlington High School's online event calendar.
As Arlington continues to grow and face challenges, the town's residents and leaders remain committed to working together to ensure the city's success. For more information on Arlington's meetings and events, visit the town's official website.
[1] Town of Arlington Calendar:
- In an effort to address personal-finance concerns within the town, Mayor Ross emphasized the upcoming $25 million budget shortfall in the city's government finance, attributing the deficit partly to the Tarrant Appraisal District's decision to defer property value reassessment.
- During the town hall event titled "Arlington Works," the general-news of an expected triple A rating potentially dropping to a double A rating due to the city's use of reserves was discussed, as it could lead to increased borrowing costs for future government projects.
- To remain informed about local government activities, residents can refer to the town's official calendar for event schedules involving the Select Board, School Committee, and other public government meetings, as well as the Arlington High School's online calendar for school-related events.
