Garland’s Proposed Budget Would Raise Average Utility Bill by $7.13

Garland residents could see higher utility bills under the city’s proposed FY 2026-27 budget, but the increase has not been adopted.

The proposal would raise the average residential monthly utility bill by about $7.13 through changes to water, wastewater, sanitation and stormwater charges. The estimate is an average based on city assumptions, not a fixed increase that every household would pay.

What the proposed increase includes

Garland Water Utilities’ budget presentation assigns $2.47 of the proposed monthly increase to water service and $0.94 to wastewater. Together, those charges would add about $3.41 per month under the city’s calculation.

The water estimate assumes monthly use of 6,500 gallons. The wastewater estimate assumes 4,500 gallons. Residents who use different amounts could see a different effect on their bills.

The remainder of the proposed increase would come from sanitation and stormwater charges. The city’s budget overview says the proposed utility adjustments are intended to support critical infrastructure and services.

Garland Power & Light electric rates are not proposed to change under the budget plan. That does not mean every customer’s total bill would be identical from month to month, since usage and other charges can vary.

Why the city is proposing the changes

City budget materials point to costs associated with labor, public safety, health care, infrastructure and facility operations. The utility presentation also describes ongoing operational needs, including wastewater treatment operations and the advanced metering system being implemented by the city.

Those materials describe the rationale for the proposal, but they do not make the proposed rates final. City Council can revise the budget and related charges before adoption.

What happens next

The proposed budget was presented to City Council during the July 6, 2026, work session. Council then held a special budget work session on July 25 for department presentations, budget discussion and proposed funding and fee changes. That work session did not adopt the budget or rates.

The city’s published budget calendar lists additional discussions and hearings for August 3, August 4 and August 11, 2026. The August 17 regular meeting is scheduled to include a final public hearing and consideration of budget and tax-rate adoption.

Residents reviewing their household costs should treat the $7.13 figure as a planning estimate until Council adopts final rates. The key items to watch are the final water, wastewater, sanitation and stormwater charges approved in August.

Sources

• City of Garland proposed budget overview