Forney City Council Approves FY 2026 Budget: A Focus on Growth and Community Investment
On September 16, the Forney City Council took a significant step towards ensuring the city's continued growth and prosperity by approving the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The budget, which will take effect on October 1, adopts a no-new-revenue tax rate of $0.421431 for the 2025 tax year, allowing for strategic investments in the community while maintaining essential services.
Budget Highlights
The total budget is approximately $115 million, with key allocations aimed at enhancing public safety and general services. Here are some important details:
Property Taxes: The tax rate will increase slightly from $0.4052 to $0.4214 per $100 of property value, resulting in an estimated 10% increase in property tax revenue compared to the previous year.
Water and Sewer Rates: Residents can expect increases in utility costs, with a 7.5% rise in water rates and a 16.7% increase in sewer rates, attributed to higher charges from the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD).
Public Safety and Services: The budget allocates significant funding to the police and fire departments, which will receive new contracts that include 10-13% raises along with cost-of-living adjustments.
Employee Compensation: While only one new position will be added in the Police Department, existing employees will benefit from a 4% cost-of-living raise plus up to 3% in merit pay.
Surplus Utilization: The city anticipates a year-end surplus of over $6 million, which will be directed towards:
$2.9 million for capital improvement projects (including roads and facilities).
$3.5 million for new vehicles and equipment.
$245,000 for special events.
Waste Services: Although there is a possibility of changes to the waste services contract in FY26 that could lead to increased prices, there are no immediate plans for a rate hike.
Municipal Debt: The city currently carries approximately $17.9 million in municipal debt.
Community Impact
The approved budget reflects a commitment to maintaining Forney’s quality of life amid its rapid growth, with a population that has surged from 15,000 to over 35,000 in the last decade. City officials believe that these investments are crucial for managing infrastructure demands and ensuring that the city remains a desirable place for families.
To view the complete approved budget, visit the following link: City of Forney FY 2026 Budget (Simple Breakdown).
