Temple City Council Conducts Final Hearing on Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

The City of Temple held a special called City Council meeting on August 29, 2025, primarily to discuss the adoption of the city’s budget and proposed tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting was necessitated by Texas statutory requirements, which dictate specific timelines for budget adoption.

During the session, city officials emphasized the importance of the meeting time, noting that it was one of the last opportunities to adopt the budget before the deadline. The council acknowledged the challenges of scheduling meetings to accommodate various community members, stating that they strive to find a time that works for the majority.

The council reviewed several key items related to the budget. The proposed tax rate for fiscal year 2026 was set at 0.6999 per $100 valuation. This represents a significant increase in property tax revenue, amounting to $11,689,227, or a 20.95% rise compared to the previous year. The increase is partly due to new properties added to the tax rolls, which are expected to contribute $3,450,556 to the revenue.

The council also discussed the adoption of the city’s budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025, and ending September 30, 2026. This budget includes various components such as the operating budget, capital improvement plan, and pay plans for general government and civil service employees.

Additionally, the meeting included a public hearing where community members were invited to provide comments on the proposed tax rate and budget. Presentations were made to explain how the budgeted funds would be utilized, ensuring transparency in the city’s financial planning.

As the meeting progressed, the council prepared to finalize the adoption of the tax roll and set the tax rate, which includes allocations for maintenance, operations, and debt service. The discussions and decisions made during this meeting are crucial for the city’s financial management and planning for the upcoming fiscal year.