Frisco residents can breathe a sigh of relief: the City Council voted unanimously to keep the property tax rate at $0.425517 per $100 of taxable value for the upcoming fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2026. The rate, unchanged for three consecutive years, will generate an average annual bill of about $2,589.36 for a typical home valued at $608,520 – roughly $8 more per month than the previous year.
Budget Highlights and Priorities
The approved FY2027 operating budget totals $319.1 million and centers on four core priorities: protecting essential services, supporting city employees, maintaining fiscal health, and reinvesting in community assets. About 70% of newly funded requests will go toward existing facilities, parks, roads, and technology upgrades, ensuring that the city’s infrastructure remains reliable and modern.
“Frisco was built with quality in mind. We want to make sure we take care of what we have while Frisco residents continue to receive high‑quality services,” said City Manager Wes Pierson. “Staff worked hard to present a budget that’s cost‑effective, sustainable for the long term, while maintaining the standards set by leaders past and present.”
Employee Investment
The budget adds 31 full‑time positions to accommodate population growth and new community facilities such as the Northwest Community Park. It also funds full‑year staffing for additional fire and police officers approved mid‑year, and provides an average 4% merit increase and market adjustments for city employees.
Chief Financial Officer Derrick Cotten emphasized the people‑first approach: “Reinvestment also applies to our staff. Our employees are top of mind every year when we build the budget. If we don’t take care of our employees, our employees can’t take care of the city.”
Utility Cost Adjustments
While the property tax rate stays put, residents will see a modest rise in water and sewer charges starting Jan. 2027. The average monthly utility bill is projected to increase by about $10, reflecting a 9% pass‑through from the North Texas Municipal Water District and a 4% pass‑through of a larger 13% sewer rate increase. Trash and recycling fees remain unchanged.
“Frisco is not driving the increase in utility costs. Instead, we’re passing through about a 9% increase from our water supplier, North Texas Municipal Water District,” explained Tanya Anderson, director of budget and strategic planning. “The city is absorbing most of the 13% increase in sewer rates, only passing through 4% of that cost to our residents.”
Mayor’s Vision
Mayor Mark Hill highlighted three guiding principles for the budget: keeping the tax rate low, offsetting rising utility costs, and preserving long‑term economic sustainability. “I’m proud of our Frisco City Council after working with staff and receiving thoughtful resident input to establish a framework of three budget priorities to care for our city today and into the future,” Hill said.
The council plans to begin discussions on the next fiscal year’s budget early, with a strategic and collaborative session slated for the upcoming Winter Work Session.
Homeowner Benefits
Frisco homeowners will continue to enjoy a 20% homestead exemption, and seniors or residents with disabilities will retain an additional $80,000 exemption, further easing the tax burden for vulnerable families.
Overall, the budget reflects a balanced approach: maintaining low taxes, investing in essential services and staff, and responsibly managing the city’s finances for continued growth and quality of life.
Original reporting: Local Profile (DFW) — read the source article.
