Georgetown presents $1.3 billion proposed FY26 budget, highlights public‑safety and water investments

City of Georgetown staff presented a proposed FY2026 budget that totals roughly $1,300,000,000 across all funds, emphasizing public‑safety investments, major water and wastewater capital projects and debt management.

David (staff member) told the City Council that the packet reflects certified property values and a proposed property tax rate “right below the voter approval rate at 35.3¢,” and that staff is recommending a smaller year‑end transfer to the Council Discretionary Fund and reserving up to $3,000,000 for recovery related to a July flood event. “We estimate that there will be up to $3,000,000 to be used towards the July flood event, for debris removal and recovery after the flood event,” David said.

The proposal fronts significant capital spending, with more than half of the all‑funds total identified as capital investment. Staff described the largest expense areas as the water utility (driven by large projects to acquire new water and treatment capacity) and the electric utility. Major capital items highlighted for 2026 include preliminary engineering and right of way acquisition for FM…