Rowlett council adopts FY2026 budget, emphasizes public-safety pay and staffing

The Rowlett City Council voted 6–1 Wednesday to adopt an ordinance approving the fiscal year 2026 budget, advancing raises and staff additions intended to retain police and fire personnel.

Mayor (as identified in the transcript) said the budget "is about balance," noting most of the increase is tied to voter-approved projects and that the discretionary portion is fewer than one cent. The mayor listed specific allocations: "Nearly 0.5 of all the new enhancements are going directly to public safety. That includes 500,000 or almost $500,000 in raises for our firefighters, about $170,000 in raises for our police officers, the addition of 2 new police officers and a detention officer," and additional operations positions such as a purchasing agent and traffic operations technician.

Councilmember Shoop, who moved the ordinance, and other members described the budget as lean and necessary to preserve service levels and avoid turnover. One council member said they opposed raising taxes despite supporting much of the budget's content and indicated they would vote no on the package.

The council adopted the budget by a recorded voice vote of 6–1. The transcript records one council member voting in opposition to the ordinance. The mayor and other council members repeatedly framed the budget as a step to stabilize operations, honor prior voter-approved commitments and invest in public safety and city services.