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Northlake council sets proposed 29.5-cent tax rate, delays final budget vote to Aug. 21
Summary
Council approved a resolution proposing a 29.5-cent tax rate and voted to continue formal adoption of the FY2025–26 budget to a special meeting on Aug. 21; staff warned capital plans assume up to $32.4 million in debt and a $83.4 million capital program.
The Northlake Town Council on Aug. 14 approved a resolution setting a proposed tax rate of 29.5 cents per $100 valuation and voted to continue formal adoption of the fiscal year 2025–26 budget to a special meeting on Aug. 21.
Town budget director Thompson, who delivered the staff briefing, said the town’s operating revenues are approximately $52.1 million against operating expenditures of about $52.0 million — a modest surplus that reflects the town’s conservative budgeting approach. "We are almost at the finish line," Thompson said as he summarized operating versus capital budgets and scheduling for final adoption.
The staff-recommended budget keeps the council’s long-standing 29.5-cent rate and relies in part on a proposed storm-drainage fee to reduce pressure on the general fund. Thompson told the council the general fund is projected to bring in roughly $13.86 million and spend about $13.81 million, leaving the town above its 33% fund-balance policy while drawing down reserves for one-time items and tax-increment zone obligations.
On the capital side, staff presented an $83.4 million capital-improvement program that assumes available funding of about $51.9 million and a potential debt issuance of up to $32.4 million depending on project timing. Major categories listed include roads, water and sewer, and building projects, including the STAR Center, which staff said is expected to be completed around June 2026.
Councilmember discussion focused on process and sequencing; staff advised adopting the budget and then formally adopting the tax rate. Rather than take final action on the budget that night, Speaker 6 moved — and the council approved unanimously — to continue the adoption of the FY2025–26 budget to a special meeting on Aug. 21 at 5:30 p.m., when the council expects to adopt both the budget and the tax rate.
The council also approved the required record vote to set the proposed tax rate at 29.5 cents per $100 valuation. Speaker 1 said, "I'm proud of staff for being able to maintain this tax rate again," and the motion to set the proposed rate passed unanimously.
What happens next: The budget book and supporting documents remain available online; the council will consider final adoption of the budget and the tax rate during the Aug. 21 special meeting.
