Amarillo City Council approved a series of agenda items related to the City of Amarillo (COA) Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget during a special meeting Tuesday, officially completing the latest city budget process.  All votes were 4-1.  The budget will raise more revenue from property taxes than last year’s budget by $2,063,963 which is a 2.58 percent increase from last year’s budget. The property tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year is $1,295,675.  Council approved a tax rate of $0.43070, which is greater than the current rate. The tax rate will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year’s tax rate. The tax rate will effectively be raised by 2.9 percent and will raise taxes for maintenance and operations on a $100,000 home by approximately $9.  Council approved an ad valorem tax rate of $0.32412 per $100 of property valuation for maintenance and operations expenses and $0.10658 per $100 of property valuation for existing debt expenses resulting in a total ad valorem rate of $0.43070 per $100 of property valuation.  The special meeting can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WEnB-uqYVg  The budget can be accessed online at: www.amarillo.gov/finance/financial-information/  For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov. 

The challenges, trials and tribulations faced by Antonio Graves not only helped prepare him for his current job, but also led to his life calling.  Graves, a case manager with the Coming Home program in the City of Amarillo (COA) Community Development Department, has overcome many life obstacles:  Mental health issues, substance abuse issues, incarceration, homelessness, suicidal thoughts and the loss of family members. At one point in his life, he was the victim of a shooting that nearly took his life.  “At one time in my life, I was unstable. That would be the best way to put it,” said Graves, an Amarillo native who turns 62 in October. “I felt alone and unimportant. I had anger issues and made poor choices.  “My Dad always told me I was going to hell and would bust it wide open.”  As it turns out, going through hellish times led Graves to a higher calling, not only for himself but to help others going through similar troubles.  Graves has been with the COA Community Development Department and Coming Home for just more than a year. Coming Home, launched in 2018, is a multifaceted outreach and supportive housing program that serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness.  That is just part of Graves’ story. About eight months ago, he began his own ministry – Full Armor Ministries, which includes meeting men released from incarceration and providing resources – free of judgment.  “I know it sounds a little crazy being where I am now, but if I had not been through all the hell I went through and survived, I would not be able to help people,” Graves said. “I believe in a higher power. Sometimes you have to go through it to get to it.”  The turning point for Graves, who accepted the call