The Amarillo City Council Workshop held on August 5, 2025, focused on the proposed fiscal year 2025-2026 budget, totaling $569.6 million. The meeting began with an apology for a scheduling miscommunication and a prayer led by the mayor, emphasizing unity and productivity in discussions about the budget.

City Manager presented an overview of the budget, highlighting its foundation in legal and operational frameworks. He noted that the budget reflects the city’s commitment to delivering essential services and addressing community needs. The proposed budget supports over 250 programs and services and nearly 2,400 full-time employees.

Key highlights of the budget include additional resources for public safety, with proposed raises of 5% for police officers and 4% for firefighters. The budget also allocates funds for new positions in police, fire, and animal management, as well as for the removal of dangerous structures. Significant capital projects are included, such as $25 million in grant funding for wastewater treatment facility design and ongoing funding for street maintenance.

The Chief Financial Officer, Laura Storrs, emphasized the collaborative nature of the budget process, inviting council members to raise questions and suggestions throughout the workshops. She outlined the importance of addressing rising costs in materials and IT security, which have been incorporated into the budget.

The workshop is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the budget, with opportunities for council members to discuss and refine the proposals. The city manager assured that all feedback would be taken seriously and that the budget is a living document meant to be adjusted as necessary.

As the workshop progresses, the council will delve deeper into specific budget items and adjustments, ensuring that the final budget aligns with the community's priorities and needs. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential revisions based on council input.