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Laredo proposes $1.02 billion FY2026-27 budget; no property tax increase recommended
Summary
City staff presented a tentative $1.02 billion consolidated budget that preserves reserves and proposes no increase to the city's property tax rate for a 23rd consecutive year; the plan prioritizes public safety and a new five-year capital improvement program.
City Manager and budget staff presented the City of Laredo's tentative fiscal year 2026–27 budget, a consolidated plan totaling about $1.02 billion. Staff described the proposal as balanced and focused on operational efficiencies, long‑term water strategy and targeted investments in infrastructure and public safety.
"This proposed budget maintains strong financial reserves," the city manager said, adding that the plan reflects the council's priorities and several internal efficiency reviews. The budget office said the consolidated total includes a general fund of approximately $300,200,000 and about $190,900,000 recommended for public safety investments.
Staff highlighted the proposal's principal revenue sources: property tax revenue of about $106,000,000, sales tax near $58,000,000 and a bridge transfer near $46,000,000. The presentation noted personnel account for roughly 75% of general‑fund expenditures; the proposal shows about 1,885 general‑fund FTEs and a total proposed workforce figure of roughly 3,602.16 FTEs across funds.
Budget staff walked council through the public schedule for adoption: budget workshops in mid‑ to late August, a first public hearing on Sept. 8, and a final reading/possible adoption on Sept. 21. Jesus Esparza of the budget office described new, public‑facing tools and a bilingual guide meant to help residents navigate the budget book.
Council members asked for departmental slides and additional detail on enterprise funds drawing on reserves, and staff agreed to circulate materials ahead of the workshops. No formal action or vote on the budget was taken at the meeting; council will review the proposal at scheduled workshops and hearings.
