District 9 Budget Meeting | August 20, 2026

The City of Fort Worth held a District 9 Budget Meeting on August 20, 2026, to discuss the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget amid challenging economic conditions. City officials presented a $3.32 billion operating budget, emphasizing the general fund which comprises about one-third of the total budget. Due to significant property value declines in Tarrant County, the city faces a revenue shortfall, prompting a proposed property tax rate increase from 67 to 70.2 cents per $100 valuation to help balance the budget. The budget prioritizes public safety, including funding for 76 new police patrol officers and adjustments in fire department staffing, while making reductions in community investment areas such as parks, libraries, and neighborhood services. Capital improvement plans total over $1 billion, with a focus on water infrastructure and transportation. The meeting included discussions on fee increases, the pavement management fee to address street maintenance backlog, and strategies to manage rising health care and operational costs. Public comments highlighted concerns about library funding, street maintenance coordination, and affordable housing. The city council is scheduled to adopt the budget and tax rate on September 15, 2026, following additional public hearings and community engagement sessions.