Bastrop City Council - Budget Workshop - May 19, 2026

The Bastrop City Council held a budget workshop on May 19, 2026, focusing extensively on the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget development. Key procurement-related discussions included the review of property tax valuations, the impact of new legislation on business personal property exemptions, and the implications for the city's tax rate. The council examined capital improvement projects primarily in water, wastewater, and power utilities, with no major new projects planned from the general fund except for completion of existing park phases. The police department requested funding for 11 new positions and associated equipment, totaling approximately $2.3 million, which would require a tax rate increase. The council discussed strategies to mitigate a 16% health insurance cost increase, including potential employee contributions. They also reviewed subsidies from enterprise funds to the general fund and considered revisiting impact and permit fees. The council expressed a preference to keep the tax rate at or below the no new revenue rate to avoid increasing the tax burden on residents. Additionally, a consent agenda item approved a resolution waiving cemetery fees related to a grave marker error. The council deferred a policy discussion on private sales of cemetery plots for a future meeting. Overall, the workshop provided direction for balanced budget preparation while emphasizing transparency and fiscal responsibility.