Seadrift council ratifies FY2026–27 budget despite timing objections from a resident

The Seadrift City Council held a public hearing and ratified its fiscal year 2026–27 municipal budget on Sept. 18 after hearing public comment on agenda notice and timing.

Presiding officer (S2) opened the public hearing “on the proposed fiscal year 20 26, 20 27 municipal budget,” citing Texas Local Government Code requirements for public comment. During the hearing one participant (S1) challenged whether the revised proposed budget and agenda notice were posted publicly in accordance with law and urged the council to follow statutory timelines.

After closing the public hearing, the council conducted a roll-call ratification. The presiding officer announced the adoption will raise total property taxes over last year by $42,783.16, or 5.059%, and said $13,939.41 of that amount would come from new property added to the tax roll this year. The council completed the ratification by voice/roll call and S2 summarized the final tally as 3–2 in favor of the motion to ratify.

Why it matters: the ratification is required when an adopted budget increases property tax revenue compared with the prior year, and the council’s action begins the administrative steps necessary to implement the adopted spending plan. The council said it will fulfill publication and notice requirements going forward.

What’s next: S2 said the council could take additional action if needed, and staff will complete any publication or posting required by the Texas Local Government Code.