Northlake adopts $52.1M FY2025–26 budget, council sets 29.5¢ tax rate

The NorthlakeTown Council adopted the town’s fiscal year 2025–26 budget on Aug. 21, approving an operating plan that shows roughly $52.1 million in revenues and a projected $132,000 surplus.

John, a town staff member, told the council the operating budget anticipates $52,100,000 in operating revenues and approximately $52,000,000 in operating expenses, and relies in part on built-up fund balance for one-time purchases. The general fund is projected to have $13,860,000 in revenues and about $13,810,000 in expenditures, producing a modest increase in fund balance estimated at $47,000 and an ending fund balance projected at about 35% of operating costs — above the town policy and the State recommended 30%.

Council members also approved budgeted spending for personnel and operations. John said the budget includes $570,000 for new positions and $205,000 for cost-of-living and market adjustments; eight new positions are requested, including police corporals, a school resource officer, a utility supervisor, a street supervisor, an equipment operator for the street striping crew, a records clerk and a purchasing agent. Technology costs are estimated at $962,000 (about $103,000 of which is new technology), and total equipment costs are budgeted at $1,200,000.

An ordinance to adopt the FY2025–26 budget (to be attached as Exhibit A) was moved, seconded and carried unanimously. The council adjourned the special meeting after approving the budget and related TIRZ actions earlier in the evening.

The council also opened the statutorily required public hearing on the property tax rate during the same meeting (see separate article on the tax rate). The town’s budget book and supporting materials are available online as noted in the staff presentation.