Newark council weighs FY2027 budget with tax rate increase
Newark city officials are considering a proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget that would raise the average homestead tax bill by $619.32 annually, according to agendas for recent council meetings. The budget, which projects $13,350,837.03 in income and $13,340,837.03 in expenses, was discussed at a special called council meeting on August 5, 2026. No minutes have been published yet, so no final decisions have been reported.
Budget and tax rate
The proposed budget sets a tax rate of $0.60 per $100 valuation. For an average homestead valued at $293,543, the proposed tax bill would be $1,761.26, compared to $1,108.49 under the no-new-revenue rate. The council also held a public hearing on the proposed tax rate during the same meeting.
The budget includes several notable changes: police department wages would rise from $50,000 to $175,000, water tap fees are projected to double from $269,250 to $520,000, and long-term debt service would increase to $372,000 for administration and $363,000 for water/sewer. The budget also carries over bond proceeds from 2025 Certificate of Obligation bonds: $4,979,860 for the general fund and $3,991,387.22 for water/sewer. New revenue is expected from Rolling V Ranch WCID No. 1 and No. 4 for sewer, garbage, and emergency services.
Fire department agreement and other council actions
At the August 5 special called meeting, the council discussed a Volunteer Fire Department Services Agreement between the City of Newark and the Newark Volunteer Fire Department. The agenda also included authorization to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for administrative services and a request for qualifications (RFQ) for engineering services for the Texas Community Development Grant Program for FY2027/FY2028.
A separate corrected agenda for the same date listed discussion of a contractor for the Elevated Storage Tank Improvement Project, approval of the City of Newark Employee Handbook, and Resolution No. 390, which would designate the City Administrator as an administrator of city funds. Another version of the agenda mentioned a water rate study and a bid for street improvements.
Municipal Development District
The Newark Municipal Development District board met on July 30, 2026, to consider its FY2026-2027 budget, review a proposed incentive policy draft by consultant Greg Last, and receive an update on the ballfield fencing project. The board also discussed potential future projects. Minutes have not been published.
Coming up
No upcoming meetings are listed in the provided data. Residents should check the city's official website for future agendas and notices.
*All information is derived from official agendas and budget worksheets. Minutes for these meetings have not yet been published, so items listed are proposals or discussions, not final decisions.*