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North Richland Hills holds public hearings on $169.1 million FY2026 budget and proposed 49.7841¢ tax rate
Summary
Finance staff presented the FY2026 proposed operating budget of $169,066,152, $18,010,100 in new capital investments and a proposed tax rate of 49.7841¢; the budget includes $4 million for preventative street maintenance, five new public‑safety positions and a water/sewer passthrough that increases average residential bills by about $4.90.
Chase Foss, presenting for city staff, briefed the council and public on the proposed fiscal year 2026 operating and capital budget and on the proposed property tax rate.
Foss said the total proposed operating budget, excluding internal service funds to avoid double counting, is $169,066,152. New capital investments total $18,010,100 and are being added to more than $130 million in previously approved capital projects in various stages. Key highlights include $4 million for preventative street maintenance, a $3,850,000 drainage investment spread across multiple projects, two facility generators, replacement equipment for public works and a dedicated victim‑assistance/rehab unit for fire operations.
The proposed budget adds five public safety positions (three campus officers, one dispatcher and one part‑time detention officer) and funding for new community events and technology to support the short‑term rental program. Foss said some one‑time uses of reserves — including $1,960,000 from debt stabilization reserves — will fund preventative street maintenance.
On utility rates, staff described passthrough increases set by Fort Worth and the Trinity River Authority that translate to an estimated $4.90 monthly increase for the average residential water and sewer customer (a 21¢ increase for water and a 28¢ increase for sewer on the city bill, per staff presentation).
Tax rate presentation: staff reported the certified taxable value for tax year 2025 is $9,269,019,819. The proposed city tax rate is 49.7841¢ (per $100 valuation), slightly higher than last year but below both the no‑new‑revenue and voter‑approval rates. Staff reiterated a 20% homestead exemption is offered and summarized senior and disabled property tax‑ceiling provisions.
Public comment and next steps: staff accepted written comments and held roadshows; staff noted one remaining budget roadshow and scheduled additional public hearings and the adoption vote on Sept. 8.
No council action to adopt the budget or tax rate occurred at this meeting; the presentations were part of the statutorily required public hearing process.
