City Council Approves 20.95% Property Tax Increase for Fiscal Year 2026

In a special called meeting on August 29, 2025, the City Council of Temple, Texas, approved a significant budget that will raise property taxes by over $11 million, marking a 20.95% increase from the previous year. This decision reflects the city's ongoing efforts to address financial needs and support community services.

The council's discussions centered around the proposed budget, which includes an increase in property tax revenue from new properties added to the tax rolls, estimated at approximately $3.45 million. Mayor Pro Tem Walker initiated the motion to approve the budget, which received unanimous support from the council, passing with a 5-0 vote.

Following the budget approval, the council moved to adopt an ordinance that authorizes the calculation of taxes for all real and personal property within the city for the fiscal year 2026. This ordinance also passed unanimously, indicating strong council consensus on the financial direction of the city.

Additionally, the council set a new tax rate of $0.6999 per $100 valuation, which includes allocations for maintenance, operations, and debt service. This rate represents a 13.92% increase, further emphasizing the city's commitment to maintaining essential services while managing its financial obligations.

The meeting concluded with the council reviewing the third quarter financial results for fiscal year 2025, highlighting the city's ongoing financial management efforts. The unanimous votes on these key items suggest a collaborative approach among council members to address the city's fiscal challenges and ensure continued service delivery to residents.

As Temple prepares for the upcoming fiscal year, these decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the city's budgetary landscape and addressing the needs of its growing population. The council's actions reflect a proactive stance in managing the city's finances while aiming to enhance community services and infrastructure.