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Harlingen reviews proposed $66.9 million budget and sets schedule for adoption
Summary
City staff presented a preliminary fiscal 2025–26 budget that projects $66.9 million in revenues, a $36.6 million projected general-fund balance at year-end and a multi-step adoption timeline, while flagging one-time insurance credits that may reduce next year’s revenues.
City officials reviewed the proposed City of Harlingen fiscal 2025–26 budget during a commission workshop, outlining projected revenues of $66.93 million, proposed expenditures of about $63.62 million and an estimated general-fund ending balance of $36,566,009.95.
The budget presentation included a schedule for adoption: additional workshops in July (tentatively July 7 and July 14), receipt of certified appraisal district totals on July 25, a first reading of the tax and budget ordinances on Aug. 20 and a second reading on Sept. 3, staff said.
Why it matters: the draft budget sets priorities for streets, drainage, public safety and parks, and the commission will decide whether to fund one-time capital requests and new positions. City staff emphasized that some current revenue gains are temporary and will lower next year’s baseline if not renewed.
Key figures and context - Projected general-fund beginning balance: $33,256,000 (presented by budget staff). - Proposed revenues: $66,933,000; proposed expenditures: $63,622,363; projected excess of roughly $3.31 million before capital additions. - Projected general-fund balance at 9/30/2026: $36,566,009.95. - Minimum reserve target noted: a 120-day minimum reserve of $20,916,009.41; an encumbrance buffer of $500,000 was also shown.
City staff cautioned the commission that a one-time transition credit and insurance savings negotiated this year — a 7.5% premium reduction plus a $325,000 transition credit from Blue Cross Blue Shield — inflate the current revenue picture. The presenter said the absence of that credit in a repeat budget scenario would reduce the revenue-over-expenditure margin by about $1 million.
Spending priorities discussed included $1.5 million allocated for street maintenance to be funded in part by the city’s water-billing fee mechanism, continued drainage improvements, and animal-shelter expansion. Staff also listed proposed one-time capital projects (e.g., Casa Del Sol renovations, Vestal Park improvements) and noted that many park-related match obligations could be assigned to the city’s 4B fund for consideration.
Next steps: staff will return with more detailed cost breakdowns and follow-up information requested by commissioners (including outsourcing cost data for fleet repairs and items the commission asked 4B to consider). The commission retained discretion to trim capital items or add positions before the August/September readings.
