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 council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance on its first reading. The first reading of the ordinance adopting the proposed tax rate also passed unanimously. The council held the required public hearings for both the budget and the tax rate and closed them with no public testimony.

Why it matters: The budget and tax-rate actions set the city’s near-term spending priorities and the revenue framework that funds public safety, utilities and capital projects. Although the council approved the first readings unanimously, members and staff framed the vote as part of a two-step process that will require a final vote on Sept. 23.

Details from the presentations and council discussion: - Total proposed budget for FY2025–26: $48,800,000 (presented by city staff). Capital projects highlighted included street improvements (including Quincy Street north of 24th Street), a sand-filter carryover project in water and sewage, facility upgrades, KidsVille and park improvements. - Proposed property tax rate for adoption (first reading): 0.7352 per $100 valuation. Staff explained that because taxable values increased this year, the effective tax-rate change for many homeowners is small; the presentation estimated an average household monthly change of about $2.82 compared with last year’s presentation figure of $9.46 (last year’s context provided by staff during the discussion). - Public comment: No members of the public spoke during the budget or tax-rate hearings. - Timeline: Second and final readings for both the budget ordinance and the tax-rate ordinance are scheduled for Sept. 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers at 202 West Fifth Street.

Council motions and votes (first readings): - Motion to adopt the fiscal year 2025–26 budget (Ordinance No. 25-3778) — mover: Mayor Pro Tem Weiss; seconder: Council member House; roll-call vote: Mayor Starnes — Yes; Council member Dickerson — Yes; Council member Martinez — Yes; Council member Garcia — Yes; Council member House — Yes; Council member Rascon — Yes; Mayor Pro Tem Weiss — Yes; Council member Rodriguez — Yes. Outcome: approved (unanimous, 8–0). - Motion to set the proposed property tax rate at 0.7352 per $100 valuation — mover: Mayor Pro Tem Weiss; seconder: Council member Rascon; roll-call vote: same 8 recorded yes votes; outcome: approved (unanimous, 8–0).

What council members emphasized: Council members noted the city’s growing tax base from new businesses and additions, and several members urged that the council balance fiscal responsibility with service provision. Council member House highlighted the deliberative approach to balancing services and taxpayer impacts during the vote.

Next steps and context: The two measures will return for final votes on Sept. 23. If either ordinance changes at the second reading, the council will need to record the amended motions and votes at that time. Because the public hearings drew no speakers, there was no public record in this meeting of opposition or requested amendments.