Cedar Park Council Reviews $215M Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2026

The Cedar Park City Council held a significant meeting on August 14, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2026, which totals $215.2 million. This budget reflects a strong alignment with the city council's strategic vision and the evolving priorities of Cedar Park residents, as highlighted in the recent resident survey.

Key highlights of the proposed budget include a general fund allocation of $82.8 million, which supports essential city operations, including public safety, culture, recreation, and public works. Notably, public safety accounts for 53% of the general fund expenses, underscoring the city's commitment to maintaining safety and security for its residents.

The proposed budget also includes a tax rate of 36 cents per $100 of taxable value, a slight decrease from the previous rate of 36.3 cents. This adjustment is expected to result in an average increase of approximately $96 in city taxes for homeowners, equating to about $8 per month, due to rising property values.

In addition to the general fund, the budget outlines significant investments in capital projects, including $10.35 million for road resurfacing and $6 million for improvements to the police station and fire stations. The city plans to fund these projects through a combination of existing revenues and new debt issuance.

The meeting also addressed enhancements to city services, including the addition of new personnel in public safety and recreation, aimed at improving service levels and meeting the growing needs of the community. The budget proposes funding for three new firefighters and two police officers, as well as additional staff for the library and parks and recreation departments.

Overall, the proposed budget reflects Cedar Park's ongoing commitment to enhancing community services and infrastructure while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The council will continue discussions and is expected to finalize the budget in the coming months, ensuring that it meets the needs and priorities of Cedar Park residents.