FY2027 Budget Public Meeting - August 19 | City of Fort Worth

The City of Fort Worth held a public budget meeting on August 19, 2026, to discuss the proposed FY2027 budget. City officials presented a balanced budget proposal that includes a 3.2 cent property tax rate increase to address a significant budget gap caused by declining residential property valuations and increased costs. The budget prioritizes public safety with additions such as 76 new police patrol officers and funding for a successful Axon 911 pilot program, while also repurposing some fire department resources to improve efficiency. Capital maintenance funding remains stable, with a $1.03 billion capital plan focusing on transportation, water infrastructure, and neighborhood improvements. The budget also authorizes a street maintenance fee to be implemented next year and includes reductions in economic development funding and some community programs to manage the fiscal shortfall. Enterprise funds like water, solid waste, and airports are growing to meet operational and capital needs, funded by user fees rather than taxes. The city council is scheduled to adopt the final budget and tax rate in mid-September after further public hearings.