Humble, Texas – In a unanimous vote on September 10, the Humble City Council approved the city’s FY 2026‑27 budget, a plan that underscores the municipality’s prudent financial stewardship while rewarding the men and women who keep the community safe and running.
Key financial highlights
Mayor Norman Funderburk announced that the general fund is projected to handle roughly $44.5 million in new revenue against $43.6 million in expenditures. The budget begins with an estimated $131.3 million balance, leaving a robust reserve of about $22.9 million – a reserve size that Funderburk noted “very few cities or municipalities have.” This conservative reserve reflects the council’s commitment to safeguarding taxpayer dollars for future needs.
Employee compensation
City Manager Jason Stuebe detailed the compensation package for city staff. All full‑time employees will receive a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment, with an additional performance‑based increase of up to 3%. Consequently, most workers can expect total raises between 4.5% and 6%.
Front‑line personnel – including police officers, firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, crime‑scene investigators, jailers, and water‑and‑wastewater operators – will see larger adjustments ranging from 8% to 11% to recognize the critical nature of their duties. The city estimates the total cost of these raises at roughly $1.8 million.
Infrastructure and public‑safety investments
The budget earmarks $12.7 million for road and drainage improvements, featuring widening projects on South Houston Avenue, Meek Road, Manning Road, and the J&L Ranchland Subdivision. Public‑safety departments will benefit from $1.6 million for new vehicles, drones, radios and equipment, reinforcing Humble’s ability to protect residents.
Water and wastewater infrastructure receives $7.7 million for line extensions, generator installations, and system repairs, while $2.7 million is allocated for facility upgrades, including a new vehicle‑maintenance shop on Wilson Road and essential repairs at Fire Station 1.
Tax relief for homeowners
Importantly, the proposed ad valorem tax rate drops to $0.245682 per $100 valuation – a 4.8% reduction from the previous year’s $0.258171 rate. Mayor Funderburk highlighted that Humble’s tax rate remains among the lowest in Harris County, with tax revenue contributing less than 20% of the general fund. Average home values rose modestly from $127,084 to $129,620, and the average individual tax bill is projected to fall about 3%, from $328.09 to $318.45.
Community impact
By balancing modest tax growth with meaningful employee compensation and essential infrastructure upgrades, the budget aims to retain the “very best public servants” and maintain the high quality of life that Humble residents expect. The council’s unanimous approval signals broad local support for a fiscally disciplined approach that protects families, upholds community values, and honors the hard work of city employees.
For more details, residents can review the full budget package on the City of Humble’s official website.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.
