In November 2025, Carrollton City Council unanimously approved a stormwater utility fee, providing a dedicated funding source for the City’s stormwater drainage system maintenance and improvement. The fee will also support critical capital improvement projects, such as drainage infrastructure, channel improvements, flood mitigation, and dam enhancements.
Beginning October 1, the fee will be applied to monthly utility bills based on the amount of impervious area (IA) on each property. IA is hard surfaces that prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground, such as roofs, garages, driveways, patios, pools, and similar areas.
Customer tiers are measured by the City. Many residents will fall into Tier 2.
• Tier 1 (less than 2,100 sq. ft. IA): $4
• Tier 2 (2,100-4,500 sq. ft. IA): $7.25
• Tier 3 (greater than 4,500 sq. ft. IA): $11.40
Note: These funds can only be used for the maintenance and improvement of the City’s stormwater system.
Utility Customer Service
Bond Election 2026 Results
Voters demonstrate a clear commitment to Carrollton’s development and quality of life.
In May, Carrollton voters approved four out of the five General Obligation Bond propositions, authorizing $227,150,000 in infrastructure improvements – 96.6 percent of the proposed $235 million bond package. A portion of these funds will be used in 2027, with the remaining investments rolled out over the following six years in alignment with voter approval.
Receiving overwhelming voter support, Proposition A – Street Improvements authorizes $164.5 million to fund 34 major street, intersection, and lighting projects across Carrollton. It also enables the City to leverage Denton County matching funds to fully reconstruct Hebron Parkway, one of the community’s most important corridors. If projects are completed under budget, additional street improvements beyond the initial 34 projects may also move forward, allowing for even more progress citywide.
Residents also approved:
• Proposition B – Public Safety Facilities Improvements to fund two future fire stations and the police fitness and training facility, each supplemented with Pay-Go funding to ensure completion.
• Proposition C – Parks & Recreation Facilities Improvements for expansions at the Senior Center and Crosby Rec Center, enhancements to the Elm Fork Nature Preserve, football turf replacement at Josey Ranch Athletic Complex, and trail funding that strengthens grant opportunities.
• Proposition E – Library Facilities Improvements for the expansion of Kid’s Place play area and upgrades to public meeting space at the H&J Library.
Although Proposition D – Municipal Court Facilities Improvements did not receive enough support to pass, the City remains committed to making safety upgrades. The most essential security enhancements will move forward through a smaller project funded with Pay-Go resources as part of the City’s regular budget process.
Carrollton’s Capital Improvements Plan Advisory Committee, a citizen-led board, monitors the City’s progress and ensures accountability as the bond program advances.
How Do Bonds Work?
Bonds allow the City to fund major infrastructure projects without incurring significant tax increases by borrowing money and repaying the debt over a period of 15-20 years. Rather than issuing all voter-approved bonds at once, Carrollton sells bonds only as projects advance into design and construction, helping reduce interest costs. This strategy aligns repayment with projected tax roll growth and allows the City to capitalize on market conditions, including refinancing opportunities that can save residents money.
Based on current estimates, the City does not anticipate a tax rate increase.
Get in the Game
Carrollton offers opportunities for the whole community to stay active with some friendly competition. From youth basketball to adult leagues offering basketball, volleyball, softball, flag football, and cornhole, as well as a mini basketball league for boys and girls ages 5-6, there is a team and a good time waiting for everyone. Whether trying a new sport or returning to an old favorite, now is the perfect time to sign up. Earlybird registration for select fall leagues begins Monday, July 13.
League Registration
Help Shape Carrollton
The City is accepting applications for various boards, commissions, and committees comprised of citizens who volunteer their time, knowledge, and expertise to help make a difference in Carrollton. Their actions help shape public policy by lending a more diverse viewpoint for City Council to consider. Interested in serving? Attend the Boards & Commissions Meet & Greet at City Hall (1945 E. Jackson Road) on Wednesday, August 26 from 5:307:30 p.m. to meet staff liaisons and current board members, learn about the various service opportunities available, and ask questions regarding the application process. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, September 4.
Boards & Commissions
Can it. Cool it. Trash it.
Never pour fats, oils, and grease (FOG) down the drain or use hot water and soap to eliminate it. FOG will eventually cool and solidify, sticking to pipe walls and causing sewer backups and/or costly repairs. Instead, collect it in a can, let it cool, seal it, and throw it away. Wipe or scrape any remaining grease or food scraps from pans and dishes with a paper towel before washing.
Fat Free Sewers
Nature Center Upgrades Underway
Carrollton’s favorite outdoor destination is becoming a thriving space for education, exploration, and connection with nature.
The Elm Fork Nature Center is getting a makeover. Planned upgrades will enhance accessibility and create a more immersive, interactive experience, making it easier for visitors to connect with this hidden natural gem.
The interior redesign will feature interpretive exhibits, educational and historical displays, updated learning content, wildlife identification stations, and murals depicting the Preserve’s 40 acres of dense woodland and Blackland Prairie habitat. Designed to elevate the visitor experience, the refreshed exhibit space incorporates nature-inspired
architectural elements that highlight the Preserve’s ecosystems, wildlife, and history.
Additional improvements include new decking and trail enhancements to increase ADA accessibility, helping visitors of all abilities navigate and explore the surrounding natural areas more easily.
The Nature Center is temporarily closed for construction through the fall; however, the trail will remain open daily from dawn to dusk and is free to access.
Park Projects & Updates
Calling All Festival Volunteers
Volunteers are the real rockstars of Carrollton’s Festival. Support the community, then enjoy the show — all in a day’s work.
Be part of the heart and soul of the City of Carrollton’s 16th annual Festival at the Switchyard by volunteering on Saturday, November 7.
Each year, tens of thousands of visitors gather in Historic Downtown Carrollton for a day of free family fun featuring live music, great food, entertainment, and more. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting City staff throughout the event, helping create a welcoming, safe, and memorable experience for festivalgoers.
As a thank you for their time, volunteers will receive a free volunteer T-shirt, a free lunch, and a great parking spot near the event site while volunteering (available on a first-come, first-served basis).
Volunteers must be available for at least two hours and perform duties such as greeting attendees, distributing event programs, monitoring rides and games, and assisting with children’s activities.
Individuals must be at least 16 years old. Minors ages 14-15 will be accepted under adult supervision as part of a school, church, or Scout group, and a volunteer form signed by a parent or guardian is required.
Applications are available on the Festival’s website. Sign up today.
Festival at the Switchyard
CPD Launches Senior Program
A community-focused initiative strengthens senior safety through prevention, partnerships, and community engagement.
The Carrollton Police Department (CPD) is committed to protecting everyone in the community. Recognizing that older adults are often targeted by scams, fraud, and financial exploitation, the department created the Community Outreach for the Protection of Seniors program, or COPS, to provide education, resources, and support for Carrollton’s senior population.
As scams targeting the elderly become more sophisticated, CPD recognizes the need for a proactive and compassionate approach that goes beyond traditional law enforcement. Through COPS, officers work
Think Before Draining
alongside families, caregivers, businesses, and community partners to educate, empower, and protect older adults while preserving their dignity and independence.
These efforts place a focus on prevention through trust, outreach and education, providing fraud prevention resources, regular safety presentations and wellness checks, and other direct community engagement opportunities to ensure that no Carrollton senior feels isolated or vulnerable.
Public safety in Carrollton is not only about responding to emergencies but also about building community relationships and equipping residents with the information and resources to be harder targets for criminals.
COPS demonstrates CPD’s ongoing commitment to lead with compassion and serve with integrity by strengthening community partnerships.
For more information on the program and upcoming outreach events, visit the CPD website or follow on Facebook.
CPD Website
CPD Facebook
Protect local waterways and wildlife by properly disposing of chemically treated pool and spa water.
As summer temperatures rise, many pool, hot tub, and spa owners perform routine maintenance and repairs that require draining some or all of the water. While this may seem simple enough, discharging chemically treated water into the street, alley, or storm drain is a violation of City ordinance.
But it’s just water, right? Well, not exactly. While the water may appear harmless, it contains chemicals, such as chlorine, bromine, and algaecides. When discharged into streams or creeks, these chemicals can be toxic to fish, plants, and other wildlife that depend on local waterways.
To properly drain chemically treated water, use the sanitary sewer system, which is already connected to most backwash systems. This ensures that the water will be treated and the chemicals are removed before it is
released into the Trinity River. Pool, hot tub, and spa water can also be pumped to a sewer cleanout, typically located in the front yard, or drained into a bathtub or a sink.
Visit the link below to learn more about protecting local waterways and the environment.
Stormwater Program
A Card Worth Having
September is Library Card Sign-up Month. New cardholders can celebrate their newfound access with a voucher for the Friends of the Carrollton Public Library Book Sale, plus an entry into prize drawings. Existing cardholders can join the fun by completing challenges throughout the month. From books and audiobooks to movies, programs, streaming media, computers, hotspots, and more, a Library card provides access to a wide array of free resources.
Carrollton Public Library
Avoid Fraud Scams
The Carrollton Police Department reminds residents to protect themselves and their loved ones against fraud by:
• Ignoring pressure tactics: Beware of high-pressure sales tactics and don’t be afraid to say “NO.”
• Watching out for unusual payment requests: Legitimate businesses and government agencies will never demand payment via cryptocurrency or gift cards.
• Hanging up on solicitors: Be wary of unexpected calls requesting personal or financial information.
Carrollton Police Department
Stay Safe This Summer
Below are a few tips to stay safe and healthy in the Texas summer heat:
• Never leave a child, disabled person, or pet in an unattended vehicle.
• Limit outdoor activities to early morning or late evening.
• Protect pets’ paws from hot surfaces and give them plenty of water.
• Check on friends and neighbors.
• Watch for signs of heat stress, such as paleness, muscle cramps, dizziness, or fainting.
City Website
Garden Demonstrates Smart Landscaping
Explore a lakeside garden that blends beauty, conservation, and education through Texas-friendly landscaping.
Since 2012, the Josey Ranch Lake Demonstration Garden has offered visitors a serene and beautiful destination to enjoy nature. Nestled between the Josey Ranch Lake Library and Senior Center, the garden provides an inviting setting for reading a Library book, observing local wildlife, or simply admiring the plants.
In addition to a peaceful retreat, the garden highlights the benefits of native and adapted plants while demonstrating water conservation in action. These plants
require less water, less maintenance, and less fertilizer, making them an excellent choice for gardeners of any skill level. While these hardy plants are well-suited for Texas summers, tolerating heat and drought better than most plants, they are also stunning, with vibrant colors and lush greens.
The garden also serves as an educational resource. Four separate sprinkler systems visually demonstrate the different irrigation methods for lawns and landscapes, while rock garden features show creative ways to integrate rocks and hardscapes into outdoor spaces. A turf section near the lake appears to be a typical lawn, but actually demonstrates the appearance of grass that has only been watered twice a week – consistent with the City’s voluntary watering schedule.
Whether seeking inspiration for a home landscape, learning about water-wise gardening, or simply enjoying the native habitat, visitors will find plenty to discover at the Josey Ranch Lake Demonstration Garden.
972-466-5727
Water Conservation Tips
Celebrating Creativity in Carrollton
Discover local art exhibits, artist talks, classes, and a unique Texas tradition on display this fall.
The City continues to enhance residents’ quality of life through arts and cultural initiatives that foster a sense of belonging, strengthen community pride, and celebrate Carrollton’s diversity. These efforts offer a variety of programs, including:
The Quarterly Art Gallery which showcases the talent and creativity of local and regional artists in dedicated gallery spaces at the Rosemeade and Crosby Recreation Centers exposing visitors to a wide range of artistic styles and perspectives. Complementing the exhibitions, the Quarterly Artist Talk series provides opportunities for art enthusiasts to engage directly with featured artists and learn about their creative journeys, inspirations, and artistic process.
Residents can explore their own creativity through City art programs that build new skills and encourage self-expression. Classes include dance, meditation, graphic design,
acrylic and oil painting, 3D art, stained glass, mosaic design, and more.
Josey Ranch Lake Library will host MUMENTOUS, an eye-catching exhibit exploring the history and culture of Texas homecoming mums, from Tuesday, September 8 through Saturday, October 31. Presented in partnership with the Texas Lakes Trail Region, the exhibit is offered alongside a special visit on Tuesday, September 15 from the award-winning author and photographer Amy J. Schultz, also known as the “World’s Only Homecoming Mum Historian.” Together, the exhibit and author presentation offer a unique blend of art, history, and Texas tradition that residents won’t want to miss.
For exhibit hours, program or class details, and information about upcoming author presentations, visit the link below.
Leisure Connections Magazine
Upcoming Events
Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events Workshop, Aug. 25, 6-8 p.m., Courts Community Room – Learn to recognize the characteristics of an active shooter and how bystanders can help reduce the impact of an incident.
Pooch Pool Party, Sept. 5, 10-2 p.m., Rosemeade Rainforest – Bring a dog or two to splash around and play with their four-legged friends. Dog admission is $10, but free for humans. There will be onsite rabies vaccinations from 10 a.m. to noon, dog-friendly vendors, and free pet registrations provided by the Carrollton Animal Services & Adoption Center.
Homebuying 101 Workshop, Sept. 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Hebron & Josey Library – Learn about the benefits of homeownership, the do’s and don’ts of the mortgage application process, and what to expect.
Library Book Sale, Sept. 24, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. & Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Hebron & Josey Library –Purchase books, movies, and music. Cash, checks, and credit cards will be accepted. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Carrollton Public Library to fund Library programming.
Carrollton Culture Fest, Sept. 26, 5-9 p.m., New Location: Trinity Mills Station Esplanade – Experience a world of diverse cultures in one place through live performances by talented artists celebrating rich traditions from around the globe. Delicious food and culturally inspired crafts and artwork will be available for purchase.
National Night Out, Oct. 6 – Hosting a party? Beginning mid-August, register and City officials will try to attend.
• Sept. 30: Special Needs Bash (for all ages and abilities)
• COMING SOON: Carrollton Community Clean Out Day event Events Calendar
