Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council advances first reading to place street‑maintenance sales tax reauthorization on May 2 ballot
Summary
On first reading the council approved ordinance language to place a one‑quarter‑cent street‑maintenance sales tax reauthorization on the May 2, 2026 ballot; public works director said the dedicated tax generates roughly $25–30 million annually and is the primary funding source for routine street maintenance.
The Arlington City Council on Jan. 27 advanced, on first reading, an ordinance to place a reauthorization of the street‑maintenance sales tax on the May 2, 2026 election ballot.
Keith Brooks, the city's director of public works, told council the tax — a one‑quarter‑cent sales and use tax first approved by Arlington voters in 2002 — is the primary revenue source for routine maintenance of the city's 3,010 lane miles. Brooks said the dedicated tax generates about $25 million to $30 million annually and typically accounts for roughly 90% of Arlington’s street maintenance budget.
Brooks also cited Section 327.007 of the Texas Tax Code, explaining the tax will expire on Dec. 31, 2026 unless Arlington voters reauthorize it and that the comptroller’s office requires sufficient lead time to ensure the tax does not lapse. “The tax is scheduled to expire on 12/31/2026,” Brooks said, noting the May 2 election date is the last available uniform election date to meet state timelines.
Council member Hogg moved to approve the first reading and Council member Gonzales seconded; the motion carried. The ordinance will return for second reading and scheduling as required by local procedure and state law.
Votes at a glance: first reading to place street‑maintenance sales tax reauthorization on May 2, 2026 (mover: Hogg; second: Gonzales) — passed on first reading.
This article is based on the staff presentation and council action recorded at SEG 956–1000.
