During the recent Cleburne City Council meeting held on August 12, 2025, city officials provided an update on the budget process and the city's ongoing growth, highlighting significant developments in residential and commercial construction.

The meeting began with a detailed overview of the budget preparation timeline, emphasizing the importance of transparency and community alignment in financial planning. City officials outlined the year-long budget process, which includes a baseline budget review, discussions with various departments, and public hearings leading up to the final budget approval. This structured approach aims to ensure that every dollar spent reflects the community's priorities.

A key focus of the meeting was the impressive growth in Cleburne's construction sector. Year-to-date statistics revealed that the city has issued 622 residential construction permits, with an estimated value of $213 million. Additionally, there were 15 permits for commercial, industrial, and multifamily projects, totaling a potential value of $55 million. This growth is supported by a decrease in available lots, now at 9,244, indicating a robust demand for housing.

The city also reported significant revenue from impact fees, totaling $1.3 million for the Water and Sewer Fund and nearly $4 million for roadway impact fees. These funds are crucial for supporting ongoing utility and infrastructure projects, with $28 million earmarked for utility fund projects and $31 million for general capital projects.

In discussing property tax rates, officials explained the distinction between the no new revenue rate and the voter approval tax rate. The no new revenue rate is designed to maintain the same tax revenue as the previous year, while the voter approval rate allows for slight increases without requiring a public vote. The current tax rates reflect a trend of gradual decreases over the past five years, with the latest figures showing a slight increase from the previous year.

Overall, the meeting underscored Cleburne's positive growth trajectory and the city's commitment to fiscal responsibility. As the budget process continues, city officials are focused on ensuring that the financial strategies align with community needs and support ongoing development. The next steps will involve further public discussions and the eventual approval of the budget and tax rates, which will shape Cleburne's financial landscape for the coming year.