BEAUMONT, Texas — 12News is learning more about Beaumont City Manager Kenneth Williams' priorities for the new city budget.
From staffing the Real-Time Crime Center to improving infrastructure, Williams says it's all about making the city safer and improving quality of life. He says he can do it all without raising taxes.
The budget is only a proposal at this point but we're looking into what it'll cost you.
Although Williams says he can improve the quality of life all while lowering the tax rate, but other rates would go up.
12News reported weeks ago when the Beaumont Police Department's new Real-Time Crime Center officially went online. The police department says it's already helped them solved crimes in minutes, not days or weeks. Right now, it's being staffed primarily by police.
The city budget would include funding for several civilian positions who would act as Real-Time Crime Center analysts. When it comes to fighting crime, cameras are a big part of the equation.
Earlier this month, we reported the damage vandals caused at Charlton-Pollard Park. With no cameras there, officers have struggled to find the people responsible.
The new budget would include $120,000 to add cameras at eight more city parks.
The list of parks includes:
- Babe Zahrias
- Magnolia
- Sprott
- Charlton-Pollard
- Dishman
City leaders say five parks already have cameras and some even have license plate readers. Ward 3 Councilman Audwin Samuel has previously called this a no-brainer.
"That was devastating, that was terrible what happened at Charlton-Pollard Park. We spent over $66,0000 for cameras. From the time that happened, we all understood that we needed to do more," he said.
The proposed budget would lower the tax rate for the fifth consecutive year. But residents would see a 4% increase for water and an 8% increase for sewer service.
The plan is to use that additional revenue to pay for infrastructure improvements.
Residents can weigh in on the proposed budget and talk about your own priorities at an upcoming city meeting on September 17.