Plano has 243,500 residents and is home to corporations such as JCPenney, EDS, Frito-Lay, Alcatel and Dr. Pepper. It is the largest city in Collin County, located 20 miles north of downtown Dallas and has garnered many national accolades for its quality of lifestyle, environmental initiatives and opportunities for economic development.
In January 2004, CNN Money designated Plano its top place to live in the Western United States (cities over 100,000).
Since 1990, there has been four property tax decreases, with the current property tax rate of 45.35 cents per $100 valuation. Plano is the only city in Collin County offering its residents a 20% Homestead Exemption, and up to $40,000 Disability or Over 65 exemptions. In May 2004, City Council approved a property tax freeze for homeowners over the age of 65, their spouses and the disabled.
Plano remains the only City in Texas to hold an “AAA” Bond Rating by three of the nation’s top bond rating companies, attesting to its strong tax base and financial management. A revitalized, award-winning Downtown and cultural arts theatre has made the area a regional destination.
• Incorporated in 1873, chartered as a Home Rule City in 1961, designated an All-America City in 1994, 72.5 square mile corporate boundary.
• Accredited Parks and Recreation Department, three-time recipient of the national Gold Medal for Excellence and Tree City USA designations. 80 park sites, 40 miles of recreational trails, two municipal golf courses, six recreation centers, a Senior Center, five swimming pools, outstanding athletic and tennis facilities, 86,400 square foot full-service convention center.
• A comprehensive Plano Public Library System comprised of five full-service public libraries with public internet access and over 2.5 million checkouts; an award-winning public school system boasting three high school campuses, two community college campuses, four other institutes of higher learning.
• Assessed property value for 2003-04: $20.4 billion, including new property coming online of $435 million (Collin County Central Appraisal District).
Source: The City of Plano. For more information, visit www.planotx.org
