Plainview council approves first readings of FY26 budget and tax rate; second reading set for Sept. 23

Plainview — The Plainview City Council on Sept. 9 approved on first reading a proposed $48,800,000 budget for fiscal year 2025–26 and a proposed property tax rate of $0.7352 per $100 valuation, with both measures advancing on unanimous 8–0 votes and scheduled for final votes at the council’s Sept. 23 meeting.

City Manager (referred to in the meeting as “Mister Chancellor”) presented the budget during a public hearing that produced no public comments. Chancellor told the council the proposed operating budget reflects a slight increase in the general fund alongside reductions in utility fund balances; capital investment priorities include street work, water and sewage projects, animal shelter improvements and Parks Department projects such as KidsVille. Taxable valuations in the city rose roughly 8.25% over the previous year, the manager said.

The council’s action on the budget was the first of two readings. The ordinance for the budget was introduced as Ordinance No. 25-3778; the…