The College Station City Council met for just over 30 minutes Monday night to hear a presentation of the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027.
The $567.3 million budget is broken down into two major categories:
$394.8 million for daily operations and maintenance (everyday city services) and $181.6 million for capital improvements (building for the future).
$169 million will go towards new projects, including:
- $55 million for a new public works facility
- $5 million for improvements in the Northgate entertainment district
- $36 million dedicated to Midtown (including phase two of Texas Independence Park)
- $12 million for neighborhood parks
Mary Ellen Leonard, Director of Fiscal Services for the City of College Station, made the presentation to the council and says a property tax increase will be required, but the exact rate is dependent on the Brazos County Appraisal District’s values, which have yet to be determined.
According to the presentation, there will be no rate increase for metered electric, water, and wastewater services, although there will be increases on your bill. Roadway and drainage maintenance fees will increase by 3% and solid waste will go up 5%. Leonard estimates that residents will experience an increase of about $1.88 per month.
The budget includes adding six new police officers, a cost of living adjustment for public safety personnel of 3%, annual step increases, and no increase in healthcare premiums for city employees.
The city council will host budget workshops July 13-15 in advance of a public hearing on the budget scheduled for July 23 at 6:00pm in council chambers.
If approved, the final tax rate and budget adoption will take place on August 27, and the new fiscal year would begin on October 1, 2026.
For more information, visit http://www.CSTX.gov/budget
