By BJ Austin, KERA News
Dallas, TX – Property values in Dallas County are higher than expected, even though there was a decline for the second year. New figures show a four percent drop. County and city officials predicted 8 to 9 percent. The smaller decline means more property tax revenue than expected.
Dallas City Councilman Jerry Allen says that will add about 20 million dollars to projected city revenue, essentially closing the budget deficit.
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Allen: We had our fingers crossed on that. At the end of the day though, it doesn't change. We still were looking for the 20-plus million. This came in for us so we're about even right now. But that's still with some of the cuts.
Allen says that includes some 500 layoffs.
Bond Set For Irving Mom
Bond for the Irving mom accused of strangling her two children is set at one million dollars.
A Dallas County magistrate set bond on one charge of capital murder. Another charge is expected to be filed. The Judge also appointed an attorney for 30 year old Saiqa Akhter.
Meanwhile, her three year old daughter was buried yesterday. Her six year old brother was laid to rest the day before.
Akhter told an Irving 9-1-1 operator that she killed her children because both of them were autistic, and she wanted "normal kids."
Akhter remains in jail.
Summer Gas Prices Stable
Gasoline prices are holding steady. Dan Ronan, with Triple-A Texas says the latest survey is good news for families hitting the road for summer vacation.
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Ronan: Statewide, we're at $2.56 a gallon. That's what it was the previous week. And we've been sitting either side of that mark for several months now with the exception of a slight spike in May.
The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Dallas is down a penny at $2.53. It's a penny less in Fort Worth.
Two years ago at this time, gasoline was nearing four dollars a gallon.
Back to School Fairs Gear Up
At Zaragosa Elementary Thursday morning, Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert helped pre-register families for the Mayor's Back to School Fair. He says it's not just school supplies that will be handed out to students in need.
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Leppert: The Dallas County Health and Human Services will be providing free immunizations. This is crucial because kids can't start back to school unless their shots are up to date.
Eye exams, dental screenings, and free haircuts will also be offered at the event August 5th at Fair Park.
Pre-registration ensures a packet of grade-appropriate school supplies. Deadline is July 31st.
Tarrant County's Back to School Roundup will be August 12th at Will Rogers Coliseum. Pre-registration is encouraged.