Harlingen commission adopts $119.6 million FY2026 budget, sets 2025 tax rate and approves several ordinances

The Harlingen City Commission on Sept. 9 adopted the city’s fiscal year 2026 budget, approved a 2025 ad valorem tax rate and passed several ordinances and special-use permits during a meeting at Harlingen City Hall.

The commission adopted a proposed revenue plan of $119,595,005.78 and expenditures of $117,000,005.34 for fiscal 2026. City staff said the budget includes new public works drainage equipment, collective-bargaining increases for police and fire and funding for 19 additional staff positions to support services and infrastructure.

The commission also approved an overall tax rate of 0.52606 per $100 valuation. The meeting record shows the maintenance and operations rate was set at 0.458038 and the interest-and-sinking rate at 0.068022. City staff characterized the combined rate as “effectively a 3.33% increase in the tax rate” from the prior year. The tax-rate vote was taken by record vote as required by statute.

Other measures approved during the meeting included: - An ordinance updating the City of Harlingen master fee…