New Braunfels residents will see a modest rise in their property‑tax bills as the City Council unanimously approved the fiscal year 2026‑27 budget on Sept. 14. The budget provides a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) for every city employee, adds 25 new positions, and funds critical public‑safety and infrastructure projects while maintaining the tax rate at $0.415613 per $100 valuation.
Key components of the budget
Employee compensation: All city workers receive a 3% COLA effective Oct. 1, and eligible sworn personnel receive step increases based on tenure. The step plan is a pay structure that rewards public‑safety staff with incremental raises as they gain experience.
Staffing growth: The budget creates 25 additional city positions and continues funding for 12 firefighter roles that would have lapsed when a federal grant expired.
Infrastructure investments: $300,000 per year is earmarked for citywide street improvements to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Funding also supports a maintenance partnership with Comal County for the regional flood‑siren system and a West End storm‑water master plan aimed at expanding drainage assets, evaluating system performance, and reducing street and property flooding on the city’s west side.
Facilities upgrades: The city will replace the fitness‑room flooring at Das Rec, enhancing a popular community recreation space.
Financial outlook
The general‑fund revenue projection stands at $119.7 million, with expenses estimated at $121.7 million. The approved tax rate of $0.415613 per $100 valuation is described as a “no‑new‑revenue” rate, meaning it generates the same revenue as the prior year from existing properties. An unexpected $1.47 million surplus, driven by higher‑than‑expected June sales‑tax collections, provided the extra capacity needed to fund the new staff, street projects, and compensation adjustments.
According to Assistant City Manager Jared Werner, the average homeowner will see an additional $13 in annual property taxes – roughly $1.08 per month.
Council reaction
District 3 Council member D. Lee Edwards praised the budget’s straightforward approach, calling it a “no‑fluff” plan and emphasizing the collaborative effort that went into its development.
Mayor Michael French was absent from the meeting, but the council’s unanimous vote signals broad support for the fiscal plan.
Next steps
City staff are finalizing the adopted budget document, which will be posted on the official website once completed. Residents can review the full budget at www.newbraunfels.gov/budget.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
