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City Manager presents FY2026 budget as a "bridge year" ahead of 2026 tax-rate vote
Summary
City staff presented a proposed FY2026 operating budget that treats the year as a bridge ahead of a planned November 2026 tax-rate election, limits ongoing spending, and uses one-time resources for new facilities while scheduling workshops and public hearings in August and September.
City Manager presented the proposed FY2026 operating budget to the Garland City Council on Aug. 4, calling the year a "bridge year" while staff prepares for a tax-rate swap election planned for November 2026.
The proposed budget combines all funds at about $1.1 billion, a roughly 3% increase over the prior year, with the general fund budget about $257 million (near a 4% increase). The manager told council staff started the budget with a structural gap and used one-time resources to bridge several operational needs for new facilities coming online, including the Surf & Swim regional aquatic facility.
Staff proposed a one-time 2.5% lump-sum pay for employees in FY26 rather than an ongoing raise, citing the uncertainty of a voter-authorized tax-rate swap. The manager also called out the importance of maintaining fund-balance reserves and noted a policy-driven shift of operations funding to debt service in recent years.
Revenue highlights included a projected property tax base of about $28.3 billion (a 5.6% increase, supported by $552 million in new construction) and projected sales tax revenue of about $45.7 million. Staff signaled adjustments to landfill fee allocations and GP&L payments into the general fund, and proposed limited new FTEs tied to specific operations (regional aquatic facility and utility operations).
Council was scheduled to receive more detailed department presentations at a budget workshop on Aug. 16 and two public hearings on Aug. 19 and Sept. 2, with optional special-session time on Aug. 26 if needed.
