FY2027 Budget Public Meeting - August 22nd | City of Fort Worth

The City of Fort Worth held a public meeting on August 22, 2026, to discuss the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, focusing primarily on the general fund which comprises about one-third of the city's $3.3 billion operating budget. The meeting addressed a significant budget shortfall driven by lower-than-expected property tax valuations due to appraisal district practices and a reappraisal freeze on residential properties. City staff and council have worked to balance the budget through departmental cuts, reduced pay raises for general employees, and a proposed tax rate increase from 70.2 to 70.56 cents per $100 valuation to restore some service levels and positions previously cut. Public safety remains a top priority, with funding increases for police and fire staffing, including 76 new patrol officers and contractual pay raises. Capital improvement funding, including a steady pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) rate for infrastructure, was maintained despite a slight revenue reduction due to falling property values. The budget also includes fee adjustments across nine departments to address cost recovery and inflation. Community engagement was encouraged, with opportunities for public feedback before final budget adoption in mid-September. Several residents raised concerns about property tax fairness, neighborhood services, and city cleanliness, which were addressed by city officials during the Q&A session.