The Manvel Public Works Department has outlined its budget priorities for the fiscal year 2026-27, focusing on expanding water and wastewater services to accommodate the city’s growth. The department is on track to add nearly 400 new water connections by the end of FY 2025-26, marking a 20% increase from the previous year, according to a recent workshop presentation by the utilities division.
Budget Requests and Infrastructure Plans
The utilities division is requesting approximately $2.17 million for the upcoming fiscal year. This includes nearly $500,000 allocated for eight new employees, $421,000 for essential equipment, and $170,000 for additional trucks. A significant portion of the budget, estimated at $1.08 million, is earmarked for the operation and maintenance of a new membrane bioreactor (MBR) wastewater treatment facility, which is expected to become operational in April 2027.
During the city council discussion, council member Jason Albert inquired about the possibility of offsetting the budget request through user fees to mitigate potential tax impacts on residents. City Manager Dan Johnson noted that the MBR cost estimates are preliminary, and it remains undetermined whether tax rates will change for FY 2026-27 or after the plant’s operational launch in FY 2027-28. A proposal will be presented before the budget’s adoption.
Additional Departmental Requests
The streets and drainage division has also submitted a budget request of nearly $995,000. This request includes approximately $185,000 for four new employees, $650,000 for equipment, and $160,000 for additional trucks. The division completed over 9 miles of roadway repairs, mowed nearly 600 miles, and collected approximately 160 tons of debris in the previous fiscal year. However, drainage remains a central challenge due to staffing and equipment needs.
The parks division is seeking about $314,000, focusing on improvements at Almost Heaven Park near Sedona Lakes. Planned upgrades include lighting for walking trails and a parking lot expansion of 20-25 spaces. The division’s total request includes around $89,000 for two parks maintenance technicians and $225,000 for various parks upgrades.
The Manvel City Council will continue to review these departmental budget requests as part of the development of the FY 2026-27 budget, with a focus on balancing growth and infrastructure needs.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.
