Sugar Land officials unveiled the first look at the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget, which includes several high-dollar roadway and water projects.
The big picture
The proposed $520.7 million budget—which was presented at a July 21 City Council meeting—includes $343.5 million in operations spending for FY 2026-27, officials announced in a July 21 news release.
City officials said a tax rate will be recommended once the city receives its certified tax roll from the Fort Bend County Appraisal District.
The details
The proposed budget includes a 3% utility rate adjustment for residential water, wastewater and surface water services, per the release.
Additionally, solid water serves will increase from $23.97 to $25.12 per month beginning Jan. 1.
Also of note
City officials are also proposing a $612.27 million five-year capital improvement program with $128.82 million proposed for FY 2026-27, per the release.
Key projects with funding in FY 2026-27 include:
- $22.2 million for Sweetwater Boulevard reconstruction
- $22.2 million for surface water transmission lines
- $15 million for groundwater plant surface water conversion
- $11.5 million for the parks rehabilitation project
- $900,000 for LED roadway lighting conversion
What they’re saying“The [FY 2026-27] budget reflects that commitment by responsibly investing in public safety, infrastructure, parks, utilities, technology and the people who deliver those services every day,” City Manager Mike Goodrum said. “While rising costs requires difficult decisions, this budget preserves our strong financial foundation, protects the exceptional level of service our community expects, and ensures every taxpayer dollar is invested with purpose and accountability.”
What’s next?
City staff will hold a series of budget workshops on Thursday mornings in August at City Hall beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Other key dates include:
- Aug. 18: Public hearing on proposed budget
- Sept. 8: Public hearing on the proposed tax rate
- Sept. 15: City Council adoption of budget and tax rate
