Victoria council adopts 2026 tax levy, final budgets and five-year CIP

The Victoria City Council adopted a final tax levy for collection in 2026 of $9,789,558 and approved the city’s final 2026 budgets and five-year capital improvement plan on Dec. 8.

At a Truth in Taxation hearing, Tricia Pollock, assistant city manager and finance director, reviewed staff adjustments to the preliminary levy and the proposed five‑year CIP. Pollock said staff found reductions and removed a planned fire‑pension payment after receiving the city’s annual reports. She told the council that the proposed levy reductions lowered the levy from the September preliminary figure and that the city’s tax rate would fall from 30.4% to 30.01% under the proposal. Pollock said the median homeowner would see an increase of $61 for the year under the proposal.

"This, truth in taxation, is for a moment for the public to address council and staff, with any questions about the 2026 budget," Pollock said during her presentation.

Councilmember (S7) moved the resolution approving the final levy, and Reif (S3) seconded. Mayor (S1) called a voice vote and announced the motion carried.

Council then adopted resolutions approving the final 2026 general fund and Victoria Recreation Center fund budgets and authorizing the 2026 water, sewer and stormwater fund budgets; Roberts (S2) moved adoption of the five‑year CIP. Each action was adopted by voice vote.

The council opened the hearing to public comment; no members of the public spoke. The council will reconvene on Jan. 12, 2026, when it returns from its year‑end recess.

What happens next: With the levy and budgets adopted, staff will proceed with implementation and any required publications and filings tied to the levy and the adopted CIP.