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Helotes presents balanced draft FY2026 budget with targeted raises, staffing additions and 3‑year plan for new medic unit
Summary
City staff presented a draft fiscal 2026 budget that holds the tax levy steady, proposes cost‑of‑living adjustments and targeted raises for public safety, funds an assistant to the city administrator and recommends spreading the purchase of a new Medic 3 ambulance over three years.
Helotes city staff presented a draft fiscal year 2026 municipal operating budget on Aug. 2025 that the administration described as a “balanced budget within the tax levy,” with proposed cost‑of‑living adjustments (COLA), two targeted position increases and a recommendation to spread a planned Medic 3 ambulance purchase over three years.
City Administrator Henry Hayes told council members the proposal preserves the current 0.31‑dollar tax levy and shows a balanced projection while making specific personnel and capital recommendations. “What you will see on tonight is actually a balanced budget within the tax levy,” Hayes said as he opened the presentation.
The draft includes a recommended 6.25% COLA for most city departments, an 8.25% increase for police and an 8.5% increase for emergency communications, a package Hayes called his “strong recommendation” to address turnover and vacancies in public safety. Hayes summarized the recommendation: “6.25% cost of living adjustment…
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