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Round Rock presents $789.7 million 2026 budget and proposes 37.2¢ tax rate
Summary
City staff proposed a $789.7 million FY2026 budget and a 37.2¢ property tax rate (0.372), a 2.4¢ (6.9%) increase aimed at funding public safety and voter‑approved bond debt. Council held public hearings and approved first readings; final adoption is scheduled after a second reading.
City staff on the dais presented a proposed fiscal year 2026 budget totaling $789,700,000 and recommended a proposed property tax rate of 37.2¢ (0.372) during the council meeting.
The presenter said the proposed budget includes a $189,000,000 general fund and a $133,000,000 utility fund and highlighted a five‑year community investment program that allocates significant funding for roads, utilities, parks and bond projects. The presenter said, “The 2026 proposed budget totals $789,700,000,” and described the proposal as focused on public safety, infrastructure and long‑term planning.
The staff presentation said the tax rate change equals a 2.4¢ increase — a 6.9% rise over the no‑new‑revenue rate — and attributed the change to funding needs for public safety and debt service for voter‑approved bonds. Staff noted the estimated impact on a median‑valued homeowner: about $95 per year (approximately $7.88 per month) at the cited median value.
Council opened the required public hearings on the budget and the proposed property tax rate and, with no members of the public speaking, moved forward with first readings. A motion to set the tax rate at 0.372 was moved and seconded and passed on the council vote.
Why it matters: the first readings advance the budget and tax‑rate process but do not finalize them. City staff said second readings and adoption are scheduled for a future meeting, giving residents additional time to review documents posted on the city website and state taxpayer sites required by law.
Next steps: the council scheduled the second readings and final adoption two weeks after the presentation; staff will continue public outreach, including posting the 'budget hot takes' video series referenced in the presentation.
