investment, and sales tax growth while maintaining regular contact with existing businesses. “I track business visits and then the jobs that they retain,” he says. “I keep an eye on the regional economic data that comes through the various data sources because it allows us to plan for the future.”The city’s ranking among the top 100 Texas municipalities for sales tax generation validates the diversification strategy. Phelps relies on a visual approach centered on property valuations and tax rates. “I’m a visual guy and most people learn visually,” he says.“What I look at is our property valuations. If you’re going to be a prosperous community, you want your valuations going up.” The key lies in the relationship between rising valuations and falling tax rates. As property values increase, the city can legitimately lower rates while maintaining or expanding services. “As long as that’s happening, I know that we’re going to be a prosperous community,” Phelps explains. The inverse scenario represents economic danger. Neel-Schaffer provides engineering, planning, and construction management services through 39 offices across nine states. As a multi-disciplined firm with offices in Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston, we offer the advantage of contracting with one company to complete a project from beginning to end. Find out more at www.neel-schaffer.com. www.neel-schaffer.com Transportation | Civil/Site | Water/Wastewater Environmental Services | Support Services 44 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 01
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