City manager outlines Farmers Branch proposed balanced budget; council backs higher merit cap and asks for senior water-bill protections

Ben Williamson, city manager, presented the proposed balanced fiscal-year 2025–26 budget to the Farmers Branch City Council on July 15, framing priorities as public safety, infrastructure, economic development and neighborhoods and asking the council for feedback before staff finalizes the proposal.

"What we're looking for is feedback on the budget and to make sure we're not missing any of the council priorities," Williamson said. He described a timetable tied to certification of property tax rules by the appraisal district (DCAD) around July 25 and noted staff would return with a full proposed budget in late July.

Major items highlighted included a plan to add public-safety positions, a facilities assessment, a four-year fleet-replacement approach, expanded street lighting and investments in traffic management. Williamson presented a five-year path for water and…