Saturday briefing: Budget, elections and a busy weekend in Stephenville

Stephenville heads into the second weekend of February with fresh budget details, a heating up city election and a full slate of downtown events.

City highlights 2025–26 budget and tax rate

The city has posted its adopted operating budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year, outlining how leaders plan to spend in the year ahead. The plan raises more revenue from property taxes than last year, driven partly by new development on the tax rolls.

The adopted property tax rate is listed at forty cents per one hundred dollars of valuation, up slightly from the previous year. City documents note an increase of just over seven percent in property tax revenue overall, including money tied to new construction and improvements.

Residents who want to see where dollars are going can review the full budget, which includes comparisons to the prior year and details on debt, operations and capital projects.

May 2 city election field takes shape

City election season is moving forward, with the candidate list for the possible May 2 general election now posted. The ballot is expected to include the mayor and several at large council places.

The filing period for candidates runs from January fourteen through February thirteen, giving prospective officeholders one more week to submit paperwork. Key dates for ballot order drawings, voter registration and early voting are also published so residents can plan ahead.

Downtown events fill the weekend

Downtown stays busy this weekend, with Cars and Coffee at the courthouse square drawing early risers on Saturday morning. Nearby, Alley Bingo and other Main Street activities are set to bring more foot traffic to local shops and restaurants.

The community calendar also features arts, family and Tarleton related events, including a mini cheer camp and several gatherings aimed at kids and parents. On the sports side, visiting college tennis teams are in town for neutral site and home matches, adding to the activity around campus.

All told, residents have plenty of ways to plug in, whether that means keeping an eye on city hall decisions or simply enjoying a mild February weekend close to home.

Sources

• https://www.stephenvilletx.gov/202/Fiscal-Year-Budgets
• https://www.stephenvilletx.gov/397/2026-General-Election-Information
• https://www.stephenvilletx.gov/Calendar/home
• https://www.stephenvilletexas.org/events/search
• https://mcneesesports.com/news/2026/2/6/womens-tennis-wten-cowgirls-to-play-next-four-matches-in-texas.aspx