Above is this week’s Council video summary. This is created using an AI program. AI can be inaccurate so always verify any information with the original meeting footage.
And here is this week’s mini summary. The usual detailed report is down below.
FY 27 Budget & Tax Rate Approval: The Richardson City Council officially approved the FY 27 budget and tax rate, which included an early $2.9M payoff of Series 2016B GO Bonds to save $557K in interest.
Public Input: Written comments and public speakers addressed proposed water rate structure changes and voiced support for individual Place 3 candidates.
Place 3 Finalist Interviews: Council conducted 30-minute interviews with finalists Daniel Burdette, Jordan Noret, and Jeff Davis, covering topics like the 2026 Bond Program, budget priorities, and District 3 challenges.
Lone Finalist Selection: Following an executive session, Council unanimously selected Daniel Burdette as the lone finalist for the Place 3 council appointment.
Community Recognition: Mayor Omar presented a proclamation honoring Richardson ISD Superintendent Tabitha Branum for 29 years of service in public education.
OPENING
All councilmembers are present as well as City Manager (CM) Don Magner and City Secretary Aimee Nemer.
Councilman Corcoran reads a quote from Don Quixote, “When life itself seems lunatic, who knows where madness lies? Perhaps to be too practical is madness. To surrender dreams — this may be madness. Too much sanity may be madness — and maddest of all: to see life as it is, and not as it should be!” He then leads the pledges of allegiance.
Before acknowledging written public comments, CM Magner recognizes newly appointed Strategic Initiatives Director Shayla Lee as this is her first meeting. For written comments, 17 have been received supporting Place 3 Applicant Daniel Burdette, five have been received for Place 3 Applicant Jeff Davis, and four have been received for Place 3 Applicant Jordan Noret.
I also submitted a comment noting an omitted speaker from the Sep. 14th minutes and asking for clarity around the proposed FY 27 Water & Sewer Fund which has residents paying 38.1% of revenues while the new water rate structure is based on 36% residential water usage.
CM Magner also acknowledges an additional comment from the Dallas County Truth in Taxation website from Maribel Turcios opposed to the proposed FY 27 tax rate.
Four speakers are also present. The first is William Anderson. He speaks on the proposed water rate structure. He is a local business owner and explains his opposition to the proposed water rate increases. He doesn’t want these costs to have to be passed along to consumers. He suggests tabling this new rate structure for a year.
The second speaker is Rick Bell. He speaks on behalf of Place 3 Applicant Daniel Burdette. He also acknowledges members in the audience who support Mr. Burdette for the Place 3 appointment. He describes Mr. Burdette’s long record of dedicated service to this community. The third speaker is Bryant Shaw. He speaks on behalf of Place 3 Applicant Jeff Davis. He speaks to Mr. Davis’s service in Richardson Masonic Lodge #1214 A.F. & A.M. He also speaks to Mr. Davis’s service as neighborhood association president and with Richardson Real Heroes. The fourth speaker is Jason Jones. He asks for assistance with a personal financial situation.
Next, Mayor Omar presents a proclamation for Richardson ISD Superintendent Tabitha Branum recognizing her 29 years of service in public education.
Council unanimously approves the consent agenda which includes the corrected Sep. 14th minutes.
PUBLIC HEARING – FY 27 BUDGET
Council now holds a public hearing on the proposed FY 27 Budget. CM Magner provides a review of the presentation given at the Council Budget Workshops and Aug. 17th meeting. A summary of the budget workshop is available here: https://justinneth.substack.com/p/richardson-city-council-budget-workshop-9e2?r=3ahunk&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
And the Aug. 17th Council meeting summary can be reviewed here: https://justinneth.substack.com/p/richardson-city-council-meeting-august-d5b?r=3ahunk&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
Since these presentations, CM Magner notes that the fed rate has been raised and construction cost indexes have also risen higher. Council asks no questions at the conclusion of CM Magner’s final budget presentation. No speakers are present for either of the public hearings on the proposed FY 27 Budget or Drainage Fee increases.
Council unanimously approves a series of motions relating to the budget. The first is to pay off Series 2016B GO Bonds early in the amount of $2.9M. This will save the city $557K in interest costs. The second and third motions officially approve the FY 27 Budget. This is done in two motions to allow Mayor Pro Tem Hutchenrider to vote on the budget excluding items provided by Methodist Richardson Medical Center (MRMC) and then recuse himself from the vote on budget items provided by MRMC. The fourth motion officially adopts the proposed FY 27 tax rate. The fifth motion related to the budget is required by the state since this tax rate will result in more revenue than the prior year. Finally, the budget consent agenda, which includes an ordinance adopting changes in the Master Fee Schedule, is unanimously approved.
This officially concludes this year’s budget process, and the conclusion of this process is met with applause from the audience.
PLACE 3 APPOINTMENT – FINALIST INTERVIEWS (DANIEL BURDETTE, JORDAN NORET, JEFF DAVIS)
Council now conducts interviews for the three remaining finalists in the Place 3 appointment process. Council will interview each applicant for 30 minutes and then officially declare a lone finalist after the interviews and deliberation. CM Magner notes that councilmembers may ask a follow up question within the three minutes allotted for each question period.
Daniel Burdette is tonight’s first interview. His opening statement mentions his nomination for a 2024 Richardson Real Heroes Award and 2024 LRAA Alumnus of the Year Award. He also explains his professional experience in medical technology innovations.
Councilman Shamsul asks Mr. Burdette what he would do before casting his vote on an item he has not followed closely. Mr. Burdette answers that he is familiar with most issues. For unexpected occurrences, he will observe and listen with his own eyes and ears and listen to public input.
Councilman Corcoran asks Mr. Burdette to describe the 2026 Bond Program. Mr. Burdette is surprised by the question and is not able to specifically describe the 2026 Bond Program. Mr. Burdette generally supports the use of bond debt to accomplish capital needs.
Councilman Barrios asks what Mr. Burdette is passionate enough about to stand alone on even if it risks upsetting people. Mr. Burdette answers that he supports mentoring those who may be unhoused and need help getting back on their feet.
Councilwoman Justice asks Mr. Burdette if there is anything he would’ve changed about the budget that Council just passed. Mr. Burdette answers that he supports the proposed budget and maintaining the current tax rate. He appreciates the efficiencies achieved in this budget.
Councilman Dorian asks Mr. Burdette what his specific stance is on various issues such as housing affordability, traffic, infrastructure, economic development, sustainability, and public safety. Mr. Burdette feels these are all important issues. He appreciates the support for public safety salaries in this budget. He also understands that infrastructure is an ongoing need. He sees economic development as an important tool to increase revenue for the city by attracting more businesses.
Mayor Pro Tem Hutchenrider asks what Mr. Burdette believes is the biggest issue in Richardson that needs more attention. Mr. Burdette answers that economic development is the biggest opportunity, but he feels this is currently getting the proper attention. He expresses that the West Spring Valley area could use more placemaking attention.
Mayor Omar asks Mr. Burdette to explain a specific District 3 challenge that he would like to see this Council put energy towards. Mr. Burdette again answers that the West Spring Valley area needs more attention from a redevelopment and public safety standpoint.
Mr. Burdette’s closing statement describes his community involvement and understanding that this is a demanding role. He thanks Council for their service.
Jordan Noret is the second interview. His opening statement describes his love and passion for serving his neighbors. He also explains recent specific efforts with nonprofits to serve the community. He explains how his family had to navigate their child being diagnosed with cancer and how he didn’t miss a single day of work during those difficult times of treatment.
Councilman Shamsul repeats his same question, asking Mr. Noret what he would do before casting his vote on an item he has not followed closely. Mr. Noret answers that he would first digest the available information before doing his own research. He would then engage with the public to seek their input.
Councilman Corcoran also repeats his question and asks Mr. Noret to describe the 2026 Bond Program. Mr. Noret answers that this is the biggest bond that has ever been passed in Richardson. He acknowledges that over half of the authorized money is going towards infrastructure and streets.
Councilman Barrios also repeats his question, asking what Mr. Noret is passionate enough about to stand alone on even if it risks upsetting people. Mr. Noret answers that he will always prioritize community engagement to include more people in the process of government.
Councilwoman Justice also repeats her question, asking Mr. Noret if there is anything he would’ve changed about the budget that Council just passed. Mr. Noret answers that, while he supports more money for the library and arts, he does not want to sacrifice core services. He supports the proposed budget and appreciates all the information that staff provided in this year’s budget process.
Councilman Dorian alters his question slightly and asks Mr. Noret what his specific stance on housing affordability and public safety is. Mr. Noret answers that Richardson does a great job with public safety and shouldn’t change anything. On housing affordability, he supports creative ideas to achieve housing that is affordable for those who want to live in Richardson.
Mayor Pro Tem Hutchenrider repeats his question and asks what Mr. Noret believes is the biggest issue in Richardson that needs more attention. Mr. Noret answers that water supply needs more attention. He feels that we need to be more proactive on a long-term water supply plan. He feels we could leverage our position on the North Texas Municipal Water District better.
Mayor Omar also repeats his question and asks Mr. Noret to explain a specific District 3 challenge that he would like to see this Council put energy towards. Mr. Noret answers that the West Spring Valley area needs more attention.
Mr. Noret’s closing statement emphasizes his commitment to reading every agenda packet, listening to the public, and explaining the facts when there are misconceptions. He wants to prioritize including everyone in government.
Jeff Davis is the final interview. His opening statement explains that he is committed to learning from others. He describes himself as someone who enjoys serving his community, not a politician. He wants to leave Richardson a better place than he found it.
Councilman Shamsul repeats his same question, asking Mr. Davis what he would do before casting his vote on an item he has not followed closely. Mr. Davis feels he has paid enough attention that he is familiar with most items. For something that he is unfamiliar with, he would rely on deliberating with Council and city staff and do his own research before asking questions. He would prioritize listening to all opinions.
Councilman Corcoran also repeats his question and asks Mr. Davis to describe the 2026 Bond Program. Mr. Davis explains that there is a Parks & Recreation component that follows the Aquatics Master Plan. Streets and Alleys are also an important part. Drainage is also an important aspect of this bond program.
Councilman Barrios also repeats his question, asking what Mr. Davis is passionate enough about to stand alone on even if it risks upsetting people. Mr. Davis explains that he cares for the environment and feels that water supply for future generations will be an important issue that we may need to raise taxes for.
Councilwoman Justice also repeats her question, asking Mr. Davis if there is anything he would’ve changed about the budget that Council just passed. Mr. Davis answers that he generally supports this budget but would’ve encouraged the consideration of raising the tax rate. He also would support raising other rates and fees to be in line with neighboring cities, especially on water rates.
Councilman Dorian asks Mr. Davis what his specific stance on housing affordability and public safety is. Mr. Davis answers that he supports more diverse housing stock in Richardson such as higher-end condominiums and middle-income housing. He also wants to do something to mitigate the effects of single-family redevelopments not fitting the current character of the neighborhood. For public safety, Mr. Davis feels that this should be prioritized since a safe city benefits all aspects including economic development.
Mayor Pro Tem Hutchenrider repeats his question and asks what Mr. Davis believes is the biggest issue in Richardson that needs more attention. Mr. Davis answers that the IQ area could use more attention to help incubate small businesses. He acknowledges that the community also wants an indoor pool, but the funds aren’t currently there to support a new facility.
Mayor Omar also repeats his question and asks Mr. Davis to explain a specific District 3 challenge that he would like to see this Council put energy towards. Mr. Davis answers that the Spring Valley, Belt Line, and Coit areas need more attention in general. He also wants to see the entire city working together better.
Mr. Davis’s closing statement emphasizes the importance of balancing all aspects of city government for the betterment of all of Richardson. He describes his experience serving the community through his neighborhood association, serving on the Parks & Rec Commission, and participating in the CARES program. He feels these prepare him for this service.
PLACE 3 APPOINTMENT – LONE FINALIST DECLARED
With the interviews now concluded, Councilman Barrios thanks all applicants and states that he will support whomever Council decides to appoint to finish the term for Place 3. He asks Council to focus on what unique voice their appointment will bring to Council. As he does not get to vote on this final appointment, he removes himself from the dais and joins the audience.
Council now convenes into executive session to deliberate the Place 3 lone finalist. Council returns 48 minutes later to unanimously declare Daniel Burdette the lone finalist for the Place 3 appointment. Mr. Burdette will take the oath of office next Monday, Sep. 28th.
Councilman Barrios returns to his place on the dais and Council discusses the groundbreaking of the new training center and maintenance barn for the city’s Sherrill Park Golf Course, a Growth Good Nonprofit Fair at First United Methodist Church Richardson, the Richardson Reads One Book author lecture, an upcoming boards and commissions reception, and the meeting adjourns.