July 17, 2025

College Station City Council Proposes $474.2 Million Budget

News Summary

The College Station City Council has proposed a budget of $474.2 million for Fiscal Year 2026, marking a decrease of $68.3 million from the prior year. The budget allocates $390.1 million for operations and maintenance, with $84.1 million for capital projects. Significant provisions include a planned 5% reduction in the property tax rate and increased funding for public safety personnel. Meanwhile, the College Station ISD prepares to vote on a cell phone usage policy, alongside plans for the Brazos County Expo Complex improvements. Final council approval is expected soon.

College Station — The College Station City Council has proposed a budget of $474.2 million for Fiscal Year 2026 during a public meeting held on July 7. This marks a substantial decrease of approximately $68.3 million compared to the previous fiscal year. Despite the reduction, the budget includes significant allocations for essential public services and infrastructure improvements.

The proposed budget encompasses $390.1 million earmarked for operations and maintenance, while $84.1 million is designated for capital projects. In addition to supporting essential services, the budget aims to address the growing needs of the city as it continues to expand.

Integral to this budget proposal is the planned 5% reduction in the property tax rate, which would bring the rate to just under 49 cents per $100 of assessed value. The decision to decrease the tax rate stems from the increasing property values and the acceptance of new properties on the tax rolls. Despite this reduction, property tax revenue is projected to rise by approximately $3 million due to the overall growth in property valuations.

While there will be no adjustments to electric, water, or wastewater rates, there will be increases in certain fees. Notably, drainage and roadway maintenance fees are set to rise by 3%, in line with the Consumer Price Index. Additionally, solid waste rates will increase by 5%, along with an extra 5% for specific services provided.

A key component of the budget will fund enhancements to public safety, including the addition of 12 firefighter positions for the new Fire Station No. 7, as well as six new police officer positions. These personnel additions underscore the city’s commitment to maintaining safety and ensuring adequate emergency response capabilities for its residents.

The extensive budgetary provisions are the result of a strategic planning process that began at the start of the current calendar year. This comprehensive effort required months of coordination among various department heads and city officials to determine the most effective allocation of resources for the community’s needs.

In addition to the budget discussions, the College Station ISD is moving forward with the development of a policy to comply with state legislation that prohibits cell phone usage during school hours. The proposal includes allowing students to keep their phones in their backpacks and purses, with disciplinary measures in place for any infractions. A vote on this policy is set to take place shortly before the new school year begins.

Moreover, the Brazos County Expo Complex is scheduled for significant investment, with $11 million set aside for repairs and upgrades. A construction contract worth $10 million has already been awarded to facilitate a range of improvements. The council also approved an $850,000 contract for architectural services and a $198,000 contract for commissioning services. However, details regarding the timeline for the construction projects have not been disclosed during the meeting.

The comprehensive budget proposal is still subject to final approval by the city council, with implementation expected to commence on October 1. The proposed budget highlights the city’s continuing dedication to addressing the needs of its residents through well-planned public services and infrastructure initiatives.

Finally, in a separate and tragic incident, two men from Bryan lost their lives in a vehicle collision with a semi-trailer in Leon County on July 16. This loss has cast a somber shadow over the community as it comes amid important discussions about budgetary allocations and city improvements.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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North Carolina Overtakes Texas in Business Rankings
College Station to Review Northgate Small Area Plan
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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER

The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER

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