July 8, 2025

College Station Proposes $474.2 Million Budget

News Summary

College Station is proposing a $474.2 million budget for Fiscal Year 2026, incorporating a property tax rate cut and additional public safety staff. The budget reflects a $68.3 million decrease from last year, with funds allocated for operations, maintenance, and capital projects. Notably, a 5% property tax reduction and increases in utility and solid waste rates are highlighted. Public safety funding includes 12 new firefighter positions, alongside additional police roles. The city anticipates rising sales tax revenue and aims to hold hearings for budget approval before the new fiscal year starts.

College Station is set to propose a $474.2 million budget for the Fiscal Year 2026, which includes reductions in the city’s property tax rate and provisions for increased public safety staffing. The new budget marks a significant decrease of approximately $68.3 million from the previous fiscal year’s budget.

The proposed financial plan allocates $390.1 million for operations and maintenance alongside $84.1 million earmarked for capital projects. An important aspect of the budget is a promise of a 5% cut to the property tax rate, translating to a reduction of about two and a half cents, bringing the rate to just under 49 cents. Even with this decrease, property tax revenue is anticipated to increase by around $3 million due to growth in property valuations.

Utility rates for electric, water, and wastewater services are projected to remain stable, while drainage and roadway maintenance fees will see a 3% increase in line with the Consumer Price Index. Additionally, residents can expect a 5% increase in solid waste rates, with some services facing another 5% hike.

The budget planning process commenced at the beginning of the calendar year, involving coordination among department leaders, fiscal staff, and elected officials. During this period, a budget congress was held to allow departments to present their funding requests while ensuring alignment with the city’s priorities and needs.

Public safety remains a key focus for the city, which has already allocated funding for 12 firefighter positions and proposes an additional 12 firefighter roles for FY26, with partial funding from a federal grant. The police department plans to add six new positions, including one lieutenant and five officers, with potential to continue hiring up to six more as the year progresses.

Major planned capital projects within the budget include drilling new water wells, improving traffic systems, and expanding city facilities, which are essential to accommodate the city’s annual population growth of approximately 2,500 residents, despite a slowdown in student population growth at Texas A&M University.

College Station anticipates an uptick in sales tax revenue, projected to rise by 1%, amounting to around $417,000 compared to year-end estimates. In contrast, hotel occupancy tax revenue is expected to grow by only 0.5% for FY26, following a robust performance in the previous years attributed to special events.

To support its workforce, the budget includes a 3% across-the-board raise for city employees, along with a 1% market adjustment for non-step employees, while police and fire staff will continue to receive their annual step increases. The General Fund balance stands at $92.3 million, with approximately 78% of that being designated for various policy obligations.

For FY26, a $96.9 million bond issuance is planned, which comprises $27.2 million in general obligation bonds and $69.7 million directed towards water and wastewater enhancements. The city has been recognized with the Transparency Stars Trailblazer Award for its dedication to maintaining transparency throughout the budgeting process.

Public hearings and workshops will be conducted in July and August as part of the budget approval protocol. The new fiscal year commences on October 1, 2025, marking a pivotal period for financial planning and community investments in College Station.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Major Immigration Enforcement Operation at MacArthur Park Sparks Controversy
Major Medicaid Cuts: A Looming Nightmare for Rural Americans
Philadelphia Mayor Negotiates with Union to Prevent Strike
The GOP’s Mega Bill: A Game-Changer for American Safety Nets
Elon Musk Launches ‘America Party’ Amid Political Fallout
Congress Passes Trump’s $4.5 Trillion Tax and Spending Bill
Trump Celebrates Tax Bill at Iowa Rally, Plans Unveiled for 250th
Major School Construction Upgrades in College Station
Texas Governor Signs Bill to Change Housing Ordinance in College Station
Registration Open for 2025 Chillin’ & Grillin’ Contest Giveaway

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

Stay Connected

More Updates

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Submit