The Forney City Council convened on August 5, 2025, to discuss critical upcoming budgetary processes and the proposed tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting focused on establishing timelines for public hearings and ensuring adequate review time for council members regarding the budget.

The council confirmed that a vote on the proposed tax rate would take place on August 19, but clarified that this would not be a final vote. Public hearings on both the tax rate and the budget are scheduled for September 2, with the council expressing the need for thorough review before these dates.

Council members raised concerns about the limited time available to review the budget, which is expected to be delivered by August 15. The discussion highlighted the challenges posed by new software being implemented for budget preparation, which has delayed the completion of the budget document. Members emphasized the importance of having sufficient time to analyze the budget details before making decisions.

To address these concerns, the council proposed scheduling additional budget workshops. It was suggested that these sessions could include no more than three council members at a time to facilitate discussion. The council ultimately agreed to hold a special meeting on August 26 to allow for a more detailed review of the budget before the public hearings.

A motion was made and passed to officially schedule this additional meeting, ensuring that council members have adequate time to prepare and discuss the budget prior to the public hearings. The council remains committed to transparency and thoroughness in the budget approval process, aiming to avoid last-minute decisions and ensure informed voting.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's proactive approach to budget management and the importance of public engagement in the fiscal planning process.