Fort Worth City Council is advancing a revised fiscal 2027 budget that would restore a number of previously proposed cuts while providing a modest increase in employee wages. The council will vote on the final tax rate and budget at its September 15 meeting.
Restored services and modest tax impact
After council members pushed back on several cost‑saving measures – including the closure of the city‑run pet adoption center in the Alliance corridor, the freeze on vacant positions in parks and libraries, and a reduction in alleyway mowing – City Manager Jay Chapa presented data showing the financial impact of reinstating those items. Restoring roughly $4.09 million would require a property‑tax rate of 70.565 cents per $100 of assessed value.
At that rate, the average homeowner – with a home valued at $232,925 – would pay $1,643.62 in city tax, which is $8.20 less than this year’s bill because of lower appraised values. The current rate stands at 67 cents, and Chapa’s original proposal called for 70.2 cents.
Employee pay raise and contract considerations
The revised budget also includes a general employee raise of 4.5%, with a 4% increase for staff at the assistant‑director level and above. These raises would take effect in April 2027, midway through the fiscal year. The original proposal called for a 3% raise.
Police officers are excluded from the general raise, as their contract guarantees a 6% increase. Firefighters are also excluded; the general fund budget includes a hypothetical 8.5% raise for them, pending the outcome of contract negotiations.
Council feedback and next steps
Councilmember Deborah Peoples praised the staff’s work, noting that the budget reflects feedback from District 5. “We’re moving in the right direction based on the feedback I got from District 5,” she said. Councilmember Carlos Flores, serving as mayor pro tem in Mayor Mattie Parker’s absence, concurred that the council appears aligned with the proposed restorations.
Mayor‑pro‑tem Flores added, “Apparently so,” after Chapa asked if the council agreed with the direction. No council members publicly opposed the restorations or the modest tax increase.
Public outreach and upcoming meetings
Councilmember Michael Crain commended the staff’s presentations and urged residents to attend the remaining public hearings on September 2 in District 3 and September 3 in District 10. “The staff does a good job of laying this budget out,” Crain said. “I encourage anyone to go and get their questions answered.”
Mayor Mattie Parker, Councilmembers Macy Hill and Charlie Lauersdorf were absent from the recent work session and public hearing.
What this means for Fort Worth families
The budget adjustments aim to preserve community services that many families rely on, such as the pet adoption center and consistent maintenance of city streets and alleys. By restoring these programs while keeping the average homeowner’s tax bill lower than last year’s, the council demonstrates a commitment to fiscal responsibility and quality of life for Fort Worth residents.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
