MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - Budget season is officially underway in Midland as the City Council met to address both property tax rates and municipal spending priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, placing a heavy emphasis on public safety.

During the meeting, council members moved forward with investments aimed at strengthening the Midland Fire Department, including increased compensation and facility improvements."We really gave a boost to our first year, starting firefighters-that's been a discussion for a long time," said Mayor Pro Tem and District 4 Councilwoman Amy Stretcher Burkes.

"We really wanna match or beat other cities in this area because we wanna make sure we retain them and our recruitment stays up."Council discussions also centered on capital projects for the fire department, specifically funding to finalize a critical training site."It's very important that we make sure the burn building is completed and done this year, that's very important, we've had a lot of discussion on that," Burkes said.