FY2027 Public Budget Meeting | September 3, 2026

The City of Fort Worth held a public budget meeting on September 3, 2026, to discuss the proposed FY2027 budget amid significant fiscal challenges. The city faces a projected $49 million deficit primarily due to changes in property tax appraisals by the Tarrant Appraisal District, which froze residential property reappraisals and saw a record number of protests, resulting in lower taxable values despite population growth. The total operating budget is approximately $3.3 billion, with the general fund comprising about one-third of that, funding essential services such as police, fire, parks, and libraries. The city proposed a 3.2 cent increase in the property tax rate to 70.2 cents per $100 valuation to help close the budget gap, while also implementing expenditure reductions including freezing vacant positions and reducing general employee pay increases. Public safety remains the highest priority, with planned additions of 76 patrol officers and maintenance of fire services. The meeting also covered capital improvement projects, including a $1 billion five-year capital plan with significant investment in water infrastructure and a new pavement management fee aimed at proactive street maintenance. Council members discussed potential restoration of some budget cuts at an additional cost of $4 million, which would slightly increase the tax rate. The meeting included community questions on infrastructure, development impact fees, and revenue strategies to balance growth and service demands. The budget is scheduled for adoption on September 15, 2026, with ongoing public engagement.