Addison council adopts $52.3 million general fund budget and sets 2025 tax rate at $0.6081 per $100; council questions theater spending, paver study and AAC and

The Addison City Council adopted the fiscal year 2026 budget and set the 2025 tax rate at $0.6081 per $100 valuation during a Sept. 9 meeting, following two public hearings and detailed staff presentations. The vote was unanimous.

Stephen Glickman, chief financial officer, summarized the proposed budget and subsequent adjustments: general fund revenue of $52,347,000; fund balance projections of about $21,000,000 (approximately 40.2 percent of operating expenses); a hotel fund one‑time package that includes $685,000 for performing‑arts center improvements; and no proposed water‑rate increase and a 1 percent sewer‑rate increase in the utility fund. Glickman said the town has identified roughly $430,000 in recurring operating savings for FY2026, adding to about $900,000 in efficiencies over two years.

Council discussion focused on several one‑time budget items. Councilmember Smith and others asked for more detail on the performing‑arts center package, which totals $685,000 in one‑time funding in the hotel fund plus additional World Cup event expenses. Glickman said bids have not been solicited and that economies of scale from bidding multiple items together could produce savings; staff said contracts and actual bids would be brought back to council for formal approval.

Councilmembers also pressed staff on a $300,000 consultant scope to survey and design long‑term repairs for the brick pavers, tree wells and related infrastructure in the Circle district. Becky, a town staff presenter, explained the scope includes a topographic and boundary survey, a condition assessment and phases for long‑term remediation (for example, installing concrete “sleeper” slabs under pavers where tree roots cause heaving). Staff said targeted repairs now can seem less expensive but may be temporary without a comprehensive remedy and that the $300,000 estimate includes a 30 percent contingency because design is at an early stage. The council asked staff to return with scope details and phasing options; no contract was approved at the meeting.

Other budget items discussed included Bosque Park improvements (staff described plants, irrigation repairs and lighting upgrades in a roughly $441,000 package) and the Athletic and Aquatics Center pool replastering and asset work. Several council members stressed that one‑time projects should return with bids and scope options before contract approval.

After public comment and discussion the council voted in roll call to approve the budget and separately to adopt the tax rate (roll call recorded all members voting in favor). City Secretary Valencia Garcia read each member’s vote.