City Council gives final approval to .7175 tax rate for 2026-27 fiscal year

During Tuesday morning's meeting, the Brownwood City Council passed on second and third/final readings the 2026-27 fiscal year tax rate of $.71750 per $100 valuation, a 1.7% increase over the current fiscal year. The No-New-Revenue tax rate is $.67707 per $100 valuation. The proposed tax rate is $.71750 per $100 valuation which exceeds the No-New-Revenue tax rate by 5.97%. This will increase total tax revenues from properties on the tax roll by 7.13%. M/O: $0.59140 I/S: $0.12610 Total tax rate $0.71750 Council also approved on second and third/final reading the Utility Rate Ordinance, which sets rates for water, sewer, sanitation, and landfill services. Recommended updates were: Increase in water and sewer tap fees to more adequately cover cost incurred Addition of a separate rate schedule for outside city limit sanitation customers Excessive brush or debris pick up fee increase from $58.44 to $100 Landfill tonnage rate increase from $52 to $54 for outside city limit customers Correction of cubic yard rates used when the scales are unavailable. The current fee schedule results in a customer being overcharged. Introduction of an Early Access Gate Pass for the Landfill, fee of $500 per vehicle per year, allowing access beginning at 7 a.m. Monday-Friday. Addition of a fuel surcharge New fee of $10 assessed for whitegoods requiring Freon recovery Restructure of fees for Roll-off Dumpster or Truck pickup including a haul charge of $195 and separating tonnage charge based on resident location. (Inside city limit $44 and Outside city limit $54) Removal of fee for computer monitors and tv recycling Addition of an over containment fee for customers who exceed the capacity limit of their truck, trailer or container. ($30 for each truck/trailer, $75 for each large-capacity transporter) Any compost eligible material will receive a 15% reduction in gate rate Increase in the deposit amount required to establish a utility service account. ¾ in meter deposit would go from $150 to $160 (last increase in 2024, average monthly bill is now $105-$120) Council also on second and third/final reading approved the Miscellaneous Fee Ordinance. Recommended updates were: Restructure of permit fees for Food establishments Simplified fee schedule for Fire Marshal inspections Updated fee schedule for various pavilions in city parks Increase in fees for rental of the Family Aquatic Center, including an increase from $300 to $400 for the first two hours, and an increase from $150 to $200 for each additional hour Addition of fee for AV packages at the Brownwood Event Center Complex Minimal increases in hangar rental and other fees at the airport Council also approved the 2026-27 fiscal year budget of $2.446 million for the Brownwood Municipal Development District. Council approved a resolution declaring a fire truck, 5-inch supply hose and miscellaneous computer equipment as surplus property and authorizing staff to sell, scrap, or donate. Council authorized the City Manager to sign an Interlocal Cooperation Contract with the Texas Department of Public Safety to electronically report convictions as a requirement by Dec. 31. Council also authorized the City Manager to sign the agreement with Justice Benefits, Inc. for continued preparation and filing for Medicaid Administrative Claiming funding on behalf of the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department. Council ratified the re-appointment of Lisa Dick to the Board of Trustees of the Center for Life Resources Center through Aug. 31, 2028. And Council approved receiving a $3,000 donation from Heart of Texas Crime Stoppers to assist with National Night Out festivities scheduled for Oct. 6.