Wichita Falls begins 2025–26 budget process, signals focus on employee pay and modest utility rate adjustments

City management used a June 17 pre‑budget workshop to lay out revenue forecasts, capital needs and a multi‑year approach to employee compensation for the 2025–26 fiscal year.

City Manager Jeff Jenkins and finance staff framed the session as an early step in a long budget cycle aimed at balancing capital investment, workforce compensation and service levels. “We want a budget that works well for the people and you are their voice in that,” finance staffer Steven told council at the start of his overview.

Staff said preliminary property valuations from the appraisal district are expected to rise about 2.76% for the tax year; certified values are due July 23 and will determine final tax revenue estimates. Steven told council the “current tax rate is 0.6848 per $100 evaluation” in their working materials and that state statutory calculations (including voter‑approval tax‑rate thresholds) will constrain the council’s options when it comes to adjusting rates.

Sales tax revenue has flattened in the most recent months, staff said, and interest‑rate expectations remain uncertain as the Federal Reserve determines policy; both affect projected revenues. Management highlighted the…