FY2027 Budget Public Meeting - August 31, 2026 | City of Fort Worth

This was a public budget meeting held by the City of Fort Worth on August 31, 2026, focused on the FY2027 budget. City officials, including the city manager and budget director, presented an overview of the $3.3 billion total operating budget, emphasizing the challenges posed by the Tarrant Appraisal District's property value assessments, which have led to a shortfall in the general fund. The general fund, which supports core city services such as police, fire, transportation, and parks, faces a deficit due to lower-than-expected property tax revenue growth. To address this, the city proposed a tax rate increase from 67 cents to approximately 70.56 cents per $100 valuation, which would still result in a slight decrease in average tax bills due to falling property values. The meeting detailed budget balancing strategies including departmental budget reductions, vacancy freezes, and pay adjustments, while prioritizing public safety with added police officers and fire department funding. Capital projects continue with a $1 billion five-year capital plan, including water infrastructure and pavement management. The city also discussed fee increases, notably in solid waste services, to fund long-term landfill planning. The meeting included public questions on budget priorities, wasteful spending, and community services, with officials emphasizing efforts to maintain service levels amid fiscal constraints and growth pressures.