On the Horizon - February 2026

Page 1


On the Horizon

City Elections

The City of Carrollton will hold a Bond Election and a General Election to elect Mayor and At-Large Places 2, 4, and 6, on Saturday, May 2.

La Ciudad de Carrollton realizarÔ una Elección de Bonos y una Elección General para elegir al Alcalde y los escaños generales 2, 4, y 6 del Concejo Municipal el sÔbado, 2 de mayo.

ThĆ nh phố Carrollton sįŗ½ tổ chức cuį»™c bįŗ§u cį»­ trĆ”i phiįŗæu vĆ  cuį»™c bįŗ§u cį»­ chung Ä‘į»ƒ bįŗ§u Thị trưởng vĆ  cĆ”c vị trĆ­ đẔi diện toĆ n thĆ nh phố số 2, 4 vĆ  6 vĆ o thứ Bįŗ£y, ngĆ y 2 thĆ”ng 5.

Carrollton Elections & Voting Information

Elecciones en Carrollton e Información de Votaciones

Bįŗ§u cį»­ vĆ  bį» phiįŗæu tįŗ”i Carrollton

ThƓng tin

Water Rates Remain Low

A utility rate increase took effect early this year due to increasing costs from the City’s water and wastewater treatment providers, as well as the need to fund essential infrastructure improvements to maintain a safe and efficient water system. Despite the increase, Carrollton still remains one of the least expensive water and wastewater providers in the DFW Metroplex, with rates below the regional average when compared to other municipalities’ rising prices. The City’s service costs keep Carrollton the third most affordable of 19 surrounding cities.

Water & Wastewater Rates

2025 Highlights & Milestones

Below are some of the successes that make Carrollton the community families and businesses want to call home.

• Recognized as an ElectriCityĀ®, one of only four cities nationally

• Fitch and S&P reaffirmed the City’s ā€œAAAā€ rating on its bonds

• Achieved all six State Comptroller Transparency Stars

• Carrollton Fire Rescue (CFR) received the Mission: LifelineĀ® EMS – Gold level recognition award, 9th year in a row

• City Manager received the prestigious 2025 Linda Keithley Award for Women in Public Management

• Adopted the 2025 Sustainability Plan

• Development Services employee named Code Professional of the Year

• Implemented a new Citizen Online Reporting system

• Carrollton Animal Services & Adoption Center (CASAC) found forever homes for 509 animals, rescued 540, and reunited 502 with their owners

• Received the Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, second year in a row

• Public Works (PW) Manager received the Life Saving Award for providing critical care during a medical emergency

• Revamped the Ward Steenson Park playground

• Donated a retired ambulance to CarrolltonFarmers Branch ISD to support their Fire Academy and Emergency Medical Technical Training Program

• PW received three statewide honors for excellence in emergency response, innovation, and education

• Adopted a new Recreation, Open Space, & Parks Master Plan

• Received the Cigna Healthy Workforce Designationā„¢

• Created the City’s first all-electric ā€œPlug & Playā€ Parks Mowing Crew

• Added a sensory light wall at the Hebron & Josey Library

• Received the prestigious Achievement of Excellence in ProcurementĀ® national award, 2nd year in a row

• Celebrated the launch of the DART Silver Line Regional Rail

• Carrollton maintains its ISO Class 1 Public Protection Classification rating

• Reduced the property tax rate for the 12th year in a row

• Nationally recognized with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification

• Received the prestigious 2024 Achievement of Library Excellence Award

• Iconic Downtown silos received new mural

• Launched Carrollton Safe, new community camera program

• Held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new North Texas Emergency Communications Center

• Received the Municipal Traffic Safety Initiatives Award, 4th year in a row

• Won the In-House Project of the Year Award (Disaster or Emergency Construction/Repair)

Carrollton Highlights Press Releases

H-E-B is Coming

The rumors are true: H-E-B is set to build a new store in Carrollton. City Council voted at the Tuesday, January 6 meeting to approve an ordinance allowing H-E-B to begin construction at the northeast corner of Parker Road and N. Josey Lane.

The new 120,000-square-foot location will include a gas station, car wash, curbside pickup, pharmacy, and restaurant — with the latter two offering drive-thru services. The Texas favorite will also feature a covered grocery pickup area, a bakery, a seafood counter, a meat market, a floral section, housewares, seasonal plants, and an abundance of fresh produce.

Full H-E-B Press Release

How Big is 3 Cubic Yards?

The City’s new cubic yard calculator makes it easier to determine if brush/yard waste and bulk item piles meet the size requirements.

1) Measure the pile’s length, width, and height.

2) Enter the measurements into the City’s cubic yard calculator.

Don’t have a measuring tape? Download a measurement app on a cellphone to get a rough estimate of the pile size.

Cubic Yard Calculator

Egret/Heron Nesting Deterrent Patrol

Beginning mid-March and running through mid-May, Carrollton Animal Services will be patrolling some residential areas of the community to deter egrets and herons from nesting. The City thanks residents in advance for their patience, as many of the tools used (screamers, bangers, and propane cannons) create loud noises and can be disturbing. Call 972-466-3420 to report any new nesting activity in the area.

Nesting Deterrent Measures

New Year, New Goals, New Resolutions

Whether

Resolutions don’t always have to begin with the New Year, but when they do, the City of Carrollton can provide support in reaching those goals.

If the resolution is to begin investing, make and stick to a budget, pay off debt, or plan for retirement, Carrollton Public Library offers Money Smart classes throughout the year to educate and assist along the way.

With more than 19 trail miles, tennis/ pickleball courts, two recreation centers, and one senior center, plus a wide variety of affordable fitness classes and numerous adult and youth sports programs, Carrollton Parks & Recreation can help not only meet but also exceed those fitness goals.

Want to spend more time with friends and family? Carrollton residents can relax, play, or celebrate a special occasion by spending quality time together at the City’s nature preserve or one of 29 playgrounds. Visit cityofcarrollton.com/leisuremag for information on special events and cultural activities for everyone.

If the goal is giving back and making a difference in the community, volunteer to assist with any of the City’s most popular programs at the A.W. Perry Homestead Museum, Senior Center, Animal Services & Adoption Center, Library, or Environmental Services.

With an All-Access Pass, members have access to the following amenities at all City Recreation Centers, including the Senior Center for those 50 and older. Indoor Walking Track (available only at the Rosemeade Recreation Center) Fitness Equipment • Gyms Indoor Pickleball Courts • & More

*Based on an annual adult All-Access membership (Limited-Use memberships are also available).

We’re Hiring!

The City is looking for passionate and qualified individuals who want to make a difference in Carrollton.

With more than 20 different departments, the City offers a wide range of employment opportunities. From equipment operators, maintenance workers, and technicians to officers and building inspectors, there’s something for everyone. View a list of available positions and apply today!

The City offers comprehensive benefits, such as medical coverage, dental and vision plans, an Employee Health & Wellness Center, life and disability insurance, and retirement benefits through the Texas Municipal Retirement System.

Apply for a Job

Spring Trimming is Around the Corner

Trimming vegetation is one of the most effective ways residents can enhance traffic safety throughout neighborhoods.

Overgrown trees and brush endanger everyone and can interfere with the City’s ability to provide fast and effective paramedic, fire, and trash/recycling collection services by obstructing traffic signs, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists.

Did You Know?

Property Owners:

• Must care for and maintain the trees in the City’s right-of-way

• May be held responsible for any damages caused by low-hanging tree limbs and vegetation over the roadway and sidewalk

• May be held responsible for any vegetation that is knowingly obstructing a regulatory sign (stop, speed limit, school or park zone, etc.) and results in an accident or damages

Carrollton’s Code of Ordinances Requires:

• Tree/brush limbs must have a clearance of 12 feet above and one foot back from the street or alleyway

• Tree limbs over the sidewalk must be cut up to a height of 7 feet

A Good Rule of Thumb:

Trim tree growth or vegetation if:

• It is below the height of the streetlights located along the street

• The entire regulatory sign cannot be seen from three to four property lots away (approx. 150-200 feet)

Questions concerning road, sidewalk, or sign clearance? Contact Environmental Services.

972-466-5727

Tree Trimming Requirements

Environmental Leadership Award Winners

Carrollton recognized 11 local companies for their commitments and efforts to ensure a sustainable community.

The City recently recognized industries that consistently complied with industrial pretreatment and stormwater regulations in 2025. Together, these companies have worked hard to make Carrollton a healthier, greener, and more sustainable City, and the community that families and businesses want to call home.

Environmental Leadership awards were presented at the December City Council meeting to representatives from Century Products; Electro Plate Circuitry – Capital Drive and Century Drive; Illes Foods; Image Industries; International Paper Company –

Belt Line Road; Quality Powder Coating; Quantum Global Technologies, LLC.; Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products; SwissAmerican CDMO; Texas Finishing Company; and Wash Solutions.

Of the 11 companies awarded, Century Products, Inc.; Electro Plate Circuitry; Image Industries; Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products; and Swiss-American CDMO were selected to receive the Environmental Distinction Award for displaying leadership in meeting and exceeding environmental requirements. 972-466-5727

Full Leadership Award Press Release

New Library Services

Carrollton Public Library has launched several new services to explore, including remote printing, tool kits for checkout, as well as Read 365, a year-long challenge for adults. Patrons will also soon be able to pick up their items on hold after hours from remote lockers.

Have any suggestions for the Library? Complete the latest Library survey, which launches Friday, May 1 at cityofcarrollton.com/librarysurvey, to help the Library determine what other services should be offered.

Library Services

Highlights

Continued from page 1

• Marketing Services received nine state and national communication awards

• Replaced outdated CFR vehicles with state-of-the-art equipment, including a heavy-duty tiller aerial ladder truck

• Installed first StoryWalkĀ© adventure at Clifford Hall Park

• Carrollton Public Library received a Texas Book Festival grant to expand its Korean-language collection

• Opened the 1999 time capsule

• 51 pints donated at the Battle of the Badges blood drive

• Facelift made to the A.W. Perry Homestead Museum

• CFR trained 8,700 citizens in CPR

• Council increased the senior and disabled homestead tax exemptions to $110,000

• Donations of more than $21K, plus 2,017 lbs. of dog food, cat food, and cat litter supported animals at CASAC

• Destroyed more than 1K lbs. of pharmaceuticals for Drug Take Back

• Summer Reading Challenge participants read 3.78 million minutes

• Completed 20 City projects with General Funds and 14 with Community Development Block Grants

• Volunteers collected 493 bags of trash from locations around the City Carrollton Highlights Press Releases

Not Sure What to Plant This Year?

Consider native plants for vibrant, thriving landscapes that can withstand harsh conditions and are superstars in Texas gardens.

Looking for inspiration for a garden in 2026? Tired of plants wasting away in the hot summer heat? Too busy to babysit a garden this year? Consider planting a Texas Native.

Texas Natives are plants originally from this area. They are typically more drought and disease-resistant, requiring less maintenance than introduced species, because they naturally thrive in this environment. This means they need less watering, less weeding, and less fertilizing, saving money and time without giving up a beautiful garden. In addition, these native plants are very popular with garden friends from butterflies to bees and beyond. Texas Natives are also often gorgeous. Bluebonnets, for example, can be found on the side of highways, far from sprinklers, fertilizer, and receive minimal mowing. Despite these challenges, the Texas Natives make Texas highways unforgettable. Don’t want to plant bluebonnets? Texas SmartScapeā„¢ is an educational website focused on native and adapted plants. The plant database on Texas SmartScape lets visitors select from a wide variety of Texas native and adapted plants that thrive in North

Texas while explaining how best to care for these species. In addition to providing inspiration and education, Texas SmartScape offers garden design and maintenance tips. Browse the website today at txsmartscape. com/home or celebrate Texas SmartScape Month this March at either Carrollton Public Library.

Whether saving some money on water and maintenance costs, providing a habitat for bees and butterflies to increase their population, or trying something new in the garden, check out Texas SmartScape and consider planting a Texas Native.

972-466-5727

Water Conservation Efforts

Texas SmartScape

Don’t Pollute. Scoop the Poop.

Carrollton residents know part of being a good neighbor and trail user is picking up after their pets. Yet, it can be difficult to walk around the block or along a trail without seeing piles of undisposed poop — or worse, stepping in those piles. So, DOO the right thing and clean up after your pet ... every stinkin’ time! Whether on a walk, in the yard, or in the park, scoop it, bag it, and then:

• Flush unbagged doo down the toilet (do NOT flush the plastic bag).

• Toss it in a trash can. Remember: A storm drain inlet is NOT a trash can.

Pet waste is more than just a smelly and unsightly mess. It carries bacteria and parasites that thrive in the waste until it’s cleaned up or washed into the water supply.

Carrollton Stormwater Program

Upcoming Events

$5 Rabies Vaccinations, March 14, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Carrollton Animal Services & Adoption Center –Vaccinate your pet and receive a free City registration with proof of rabies vaccination (Carrollton residents) while enjoying free hot dogs, pretzels, drinks, a bounce house, and wildlife information.

Fix a Leak Week, March 16-22 – Hunt down drips inside and outside the home to save valuable water and money all year long. Visit cityofcarrollton.com/water for more information.

Poetree: Community Poem Display, April 1-30, Both Library Locations – Celebrate National Poetry Month by writing an original poem on a paper leaf and adding it to the Library’s Poetree displays. All supplies are provided.

Paws on the Square, April 4, 9 a.m.12 p.m., Historic Downtown Carrollton – Update your pet photos at photo op stations, meet and greet with local pet organizations, and shop for dog-related items from vendors. Rabies vaccinations will be available for a fee.

Earth Day Celebration, April 18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Josey Ranch Lake Library – Explore the Pocket Prairie, participate in crafts and activities, meet local wildlife, learn from local environmental educators, enjoy the Recycle Art Contest & Show, check out the Touch-a-Truck experience with Republic Services, and more.

May the 4th Be With You, May 4, 5-8 p.m., Historic Downtown Carrollton – Jedi of all ages, enjoy a celebration featuring games, crafts, photo ops, and a movie. Come dressed as your favorite galactic character for a chance to win a prize in the costume contest.

• March 18: Emergency Preparedness Workshop

• March 21: Community Clean Out Day

• March 28: Special Needs Spring Bash

• April 10 & 11: Friends of the Carrollton Public Library Book Sale Calendar Events

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

CreateĀ aĀ flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.