Elgin schedules budget workshops and public hearings on CIP, budget and property taxes

Elgin city officials announced a series of budget workshops and public hearings as the city prepares its next fiscal-year budget.

Mayor Theresa McShan said Tuesday that the council is holding “multiple budget workshops” to go through line items and determine what the city can fund this year. A budget workshop is scheduled for Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers, she said.

The council also set required public hearings: the capital improvement plan hearing will be Aug. 19, and hearings on the budget and the property tax rate will be Sept. 2. Paige, interim public information officer for the city of Elgin, said those hearings are the public’s opportunity to comment and prioritize city services.

Why it matters: City officials said recent financial issues make close review of spending necessary. McShan cited compliance with legal notice and public-comment requirements: “by Texas state law and by city charter law, we have to have hearings for the public so they have the opportunity to come and comment on the budget,” she said.

A council vote last week approved holding the hearings. The transcript did not include the motion text, mover or second, or a roll-call tally. City staff encouraged resident participation and said hearing dates and any ballot language will be posted at elgintexas.gov.

Meeting context: This information came during a recorded city podcast featuring Mayor Theresa McShan and Paige, the interim public information officer. The podcast covered several city items and included repeated invitations for residents to attend workshops and hearings.

What’s next: The city will post hearing agendas and any related documents online. Residents who want to speak at a hearing should check elgintexas.gov for rules and for the posted schedule.