Filed July 20, the proposed annual budget and capital improvement program budget for the city of Sugar Land was designed based on a potential $0.01 property tax rate increase, according to Assistant City Manager Jennifer May.

At just under $300 million, the overall budget includes about $59 million for capital projects, an amount more than double what was allotted for the category last year, according to May. The increased tax revenue would go toward the capital improvement program, specifically to fund the city’s general obligation bond, a plan of approximately $90 million in projects, particularly for drainage and public safety.

Also within the proposed budget is about $240 million for the city’s operating budget, a nearly 3% increase since fiscal year 2019-20, May said.

For a more detailed review of the proposed budget, the city will hold public budget workshops every week in August followed by a special public hearing Sept. 14 to discuss the possible tax rate increase. May said the budget will then be approved by Sept. 21.

“I am proud of where this budget shook out, and I think it’s conservative; it's responsible; and I think it meets the needs of our residents, so I look forward to the workshops,” City Manager Mike Goodrum said.