Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopts FY 2026 budget, approves executive director pay increase and multiple land and easement actions

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission on Aug. 21 approved the department's proposed FY 2026 operating and capital budget, raised the executive director's salary, adopted an internal audit plan, and authorized a series of land easements and acquisitions.

The commission voted to authorize the executive director to expend funds in accordance with the FY 2026 operating and capital budget exhibits described in staff materials. Chief Financial Officer Reggie Pegues told the commission the proposed base budget derived from the General Appropriations Act totaled $659,800,000, with salaries accounting for $269.4 million (roughly 40.8 percent) and capital at $110 million. Pegues said general revenue and sporting-goods sales tax make up the largest share (about 58 percent) of the proposed budget.

In a separate vote, the commission approved retaining 100 percent of boat registration, titling and related fees collected during FY 2026 in fund 9; staff said projected cash balances meant no transfer of up to 15 percent of those fees to the parks account would be necessary this fiscal year. The commission also approved the biennial state park list and change procedures for reporting to the next legislature.

The commission approved an executive director compensation update presented by Jada Lohala, director of human resources. Staff said the General Appropriations Act sets…