Bastrop City Council reviews budget plan emphasizing conservative revenue estimates and public safety

In a pivotal special meeting on July 24, 2025, the Bastrop City Council focused on budgetary concerns and public safety funding, emphasizing the need for a balanced budget while addressing rising costs in city services.

Key discussions revolved around the proposed budget, which estimates $414.3 million in revenue, with a significant portion allocated to public safety. The council highlighted the importance of conservative revenue projections to avoid overestimating funds, particularly in light of last year's shortfall of nearly $5 million in expected revenue. Council members expressed a desire to reassess sales tax estimates, suggesting that a more optimistic outlook could yield an additional $300,000 in revenue if economic conditions remain stable.

Another critical topic was the management of delinquent property taxes. The council discussed the need for a more aggressive approach to selling adjudicated properties, which have not been effectively marketed. Members proposed exploring multiple companies to enhance transparency and maximize revenue from these sales, ensuring that the city benefits from properties that are currently left vacant.

Additionally, the rising costs of employee health insurance were a major concern. The mayor proposed collaborating with other municipalities to create a larger insurance pool, which could lead to better rates and coverage for city employees. This initiative aims to address the financial burden on employees and the city budget, as current premiums have nearly doubled since switching to a smaller independent insurance agent.

As the council moves forward, the focus remains on ensuring fiscal responsibility while enhancing public safety and city services. The next steps include a thorough review of the budget proposals and continued discussions on optimizing revenue collection and expenditure management.