Lake Jackson presents $67–68M draft budget, proposes small tax and utility rate increases

City staff presented the City of Lake Jackson’s proposed fiscal-year budget, outlining a draft total of roughly $67–68 million and a timeline for council review and public hearings.

Modesto, the presenting staff member, told council the general operating fund is projected at about $29 million and the utility operating fund about $23.5 million. He identified major capital commitments including expansion of police facilities, repairs and construction for Substation 1 and Lift Station 1, and an $8 million street-panel replacement program funded by previously approved bonds. "We are roughly 67, 68,000,000, budget," Modesto said.

Modesto recommended a tentative tax rate of about 38.11¢ (0.3811), which he said would generate approximately $115,000 under current appraisal estimates; he cautioned the final recommendation depends on the appraisal roll due Monday. He also proposed changes to utility rates that would increase a typical residential water/sewer bill from about $83 to roughly $90 and a residential sanitation rate increase of $0.25 per month to $28.75. Modesto said the city is proposing a phased approach to larger utility investments such as an AMR/AMI meter conversion (estimated $2 million with a $500,000 startup allocation) to smooth increases over several years.

Modesto highlighted reimbursements and recent bond-funded project activity as budget drivers. He said storm-debris costs from a recent event were high and FEMA/state reimbursements have covered a portion of the costs so far; that dynamic factored into the request for a modest increase and a proposed separate $1 monthly storm-debris fee council may consider.

The council was given a budget workshop date (July 25) and told the public hearing on the tax rate is scheduled for Aug. 17. Modesto emphasized that the tax-rate recommendation is an estimate until the final appraisal roll is received.