Jacksonville City Council weighs tax rate increase, budget; P&Z to consider sports complex
The most consequential item on the table this week is the proposed 2026-2027 city budget and a tax rate increase that would raise the median homestead bill from $987 to $1,085. The City Council held a budget workshop on Aug. 7 and again on Aug. 11, but no final action has been recorded; a public hearing is set for Sept. 8. The council also discussed a zone change on Lakeshore Drive and a land sale.
City Council: budget and tax rate
At its Aug. 7 and Aug. 11 meetings, the council discussed a proposed tax rate of $0.69000 per $100 valuation, up from the current $0.63763. If adopted, the median homestead bill would rise from $987 to $1,085. A public hearing on the tax rate and budget is scheduled for Sept. 8, 2026.
The council also discussed approval of the 2026-2027 Jacksonville Economic Development Corporation budget, an interlocal agreement with Cherokee County for the sale of 210 W. Larissa St., and the public sale of an approximate 9.366-acre portion of land (CCAD ID# 113170000) to the highest bid of $61,000.
Both meetings included a public hearing on a zone change from O-Agriculture to A-Single Family for 20.80 acres in the 1900 block of Lakeshore Drive. The Aug. 7 agenda also included a quarterly investment report, an update on Texas Senate Bill 785 regarding HUD-code manufactured homes, and a first reading of a resolution supporting a JEDCO project.
No votes or final decisions are recorded because minutes have not yet been published for either meeting.
Board of Adjustment and Appeals
On Aug. 4, the Board of Adjustment and Appeals held public hearings to receive citizen input on eight demolition orders. The properties covered include 624 N Jackson Street, 223 Cedar Street, 805 E Rusk Street, 805 Grant Street, and a combined hearing for 2015 E Rusk Street, 810 San Jacinto Street, 731 Frankston Street, and 2631 Lakeshore Street. No decisions are recorded; minutes are not yet published.
Coming up
Three meetings are scheduled in the next two weeks:
- **Planning and Zoning Board** (Aug. 18): Public hearings on a special use permit for a sports facility complex at 2020 North Jackson Street (Property ID #129164), a zone change from single-family to multi-family low density (Property ID #152151), and possible action on ordinance amendments to comply with Texas Senate Bill 785.
- **Keep Jacksonville Beautiful Committee** (Aug. 18): Discussion and possible action on the Clean Up Day schedule, a donation to the Jacksonville Community Arts Alliance for its annual fall event, and a memorial bench at City Hall.
- **Jacksonville Economic Development Board** (Aug. 20): Updates on retail recruitment, a professional services agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. for technical review and site layout of JEDCO-owned properties, and a possible closed session for legal and economic development negotiations.
All meetings are open to the public unless noted otherwise.