Garland budget proposes utility increases, public-safety staffing and November tax vote

Garland’s proposed fiscal 2026-27 budget would add funding for police, fire and emergency dispatchers while increasing the average residential utility bill by an estimated $7.13 a month. The plan also calls for a November 2026 election on a proposed shift in how part of the city’s property-tax rate is used.

The City Council’s budget calendar lists a work session on Monday, August 3, followed by public hearings on the budget and tax rate during the Tuesday, August 4 regular session. Additional hearings and a scheduled adoption vote are set for later in August. The budget and related rate changes remain proposals.

A $1.028 billion spending plan

The proposed combined budget totals $1.028 billion, including a $271.6 million General Fund. The General Fund supports day-to-day city operations and services.

The proposal includes funding for nine additional firefighters, 10 police officers and eight emergency dispatchers. It also calls for added staffing in Animal Services, Code Compliance, Municipal Court and Parks, according to the city’s budget summary.

The plan includes a proposed $5 million investment in neighborhood revitalization and additional resources for facilities built through recent bond programs. The positions have not been filled; they are proposed additions to the city’s budget.

Tax rate would be lower, but a November vote is planned

The proposed property-tax rate is 67.09 cents per $100 of taxable value, approximately one cent below the current rate.

At the same time, the city plans to ask voters in November 2026 to approve shifting three cents of the tax rate from debt service to maintenance and operations. That change would require voter approval. Calling the election would not approve the proposed shift itself.

The distinction matters for residents reviewing the proposal: the 67.09-cent rate and the planned tax-rate election are related, but they are separate actions. The council must still act on the budget and election call, and voters would later decide whether to approve the proposed tax-rate structure change.

Average utility bill estimated to rise $7.13

The city estimates that the average residential utility bill would increase by about $7.13 per month under the proposal. The estimate reflects proposed changes to water, wastewater, sanitation and stormwater rates.

The figure applies to an average residential customer, so the effect would vary by household usage and service charges. Garland Power & Light electric rates are not proposed to change under the budget plan.

Public hearings begin August 4

The City of Garland’s budget calendar lists public hearings on the proposed budget and tax rate during the August 4 regular session. The city’s calendar page lists the regular meeting at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 200 N. Fifth Street. The hearing is a participation opportunity, not the scheduled adoption vote.

The city’s budget calendar lists a second budget and tax-rate hearing for August 11. On August 17, the council is scheduled to hold a final hearing, consider budget and tax-rate adoption, and consider calling the November 2026 tax-rate election.

Until those actions occur—and, for the proposed tax-rate shift, until voters decide—the final budget, utility changes, staffing additions and tax structure remain unsettled.

Sources

• FY 2026-27 Proposed Operating Budget
• Proposed FY 2026-27 Budget Focuses on Financial Stability, Core Services and Garland’s Future