Fort Worth City Council adopted the fiscal year 2025-26 budget Sept. 16. While the $3.09 billion budget is a 10.77% increase from last year’s budget, the council was able to approve a property tax rate reduction for FY 2025-26.

The details

The 10.77% increase equates to approximately $300 million in additional funds, which will be used to bolster current services as well as provide additional services to Fort Worth’s growing population. According to a city news release, the city’s population grew to exceed 1 million this past year.


The news release states the budget reflects funding priorities within the council’s five strategic priorities. They include:
  • Economic development: launching a small business development program and upgrading the Will Rogers Memorial Center sports complex
  • Community investment: expanding the Mobile Tool Shed program and adding resources to animal shelters
  • Community safety: adding police officers, providing funding for the city’s new EMS service and launching a new emergency management and communications department
  • Infrastructure: prioritizing street maintenance and water facility projects
  • Responsible growth: updating water, stormwater and solid waste fees
A closer look

During the Sept. 16 meeting, council members also approved a property tax rate for FY 2025-26 of $0.67 per $100 of valuation, which reflects a reduction from the current tax rate of $0.6725. Out of the $0.67, $0.5225 will be allocated to operations and maintenance and $0.1475 will be allocated to debt.


“This is the eighth year out of the past 10 years that the City Council has voted to lower the tax rate,” District 2 City Council member Carlos Flores said.
He added the new rate will equate to about $20 less in annual property taxes for the average Fort Worth homeowner.

Council members additionally approved a 5% increase to the FY 2025-26 stormwater utility fee at the Sept. 16 council meeting. The average homeowner, who typically pays Tier 2 rates, will see their monthly rate increase from $6.94 to $7.29, reflecting an adjustment of $0.35. Rates for other residential tiers will be updated in accordance with a home’s square footage, while commercial and industrial property rates will be adjusted based on impervious surface area.

According to the news release, the increase, which will generate $2.4 million, is part of the FY 2025-26 operating budget and five-year Capital Improvement Program. These funds will be used for numerous initiatives including:
  • Restoration projects
  • Replacing aging equipment
  • Minimizing flooding and property damage
  • Protecting infrastructure
The new fiscal year starts Oct. 1, according to the news release.