Amarillo City Council Budget Workshop 8/13/2026

The Amarillo City Council held a budget workshop on August 13, 2026, focusing extensively on the city's fiscal year 2026-2027 budget, including operating budgets, capital improvement projects (CIPs), and supplemental funding requests. Key procurement-related discussions included the review of available funds derived from audited financial statements, adjustments to CIP commitments, and the presentation of a $165.8 million CIP budget, which is a 52.3% increase over the previous year. The council examined proposed fee increases across various departments, such as a 3% increase in solid waste rates and an 8% increase in water and sewer operating fees, aimed at cost recovery and revenue enhancement. Personnel costs, particularly cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and pay study recommendations for civilian, police, and fire employees, were a major focus, with discussions on balancing raises against available recurring funds estimated at $7.2 million. The council also deliberated on property tax rates, considering a no-new-revenue tax rate to mitigate tax increases for citizens while relying on improved sales tax projections to offset revenue needs. Capital projects such as street resurfacing, fire station rebuilds, and fleet vehicle replacements were discussed with attention to funding mechanisms including debt issuance and cash funding. The meeting concluded with plans to refine supplemental and CIP priorities and further budget discussions in subsequent sessions.