Arlington adopts FY2027 budget, approves year-end amendments

The Town of Arlington Board of Mayor and Aldermen on June 1 approved Ordinance 2026-07, adopting the fiscal year 2027 budget and property tax levy, and passed Ordinance 2026-06, final amendments to the fiscal 2026 budget.

At the second and final readings, finance staff recommended approval of the 2026 amendments as a general cleanup of line-item accounting and to reflect additional revenues and adjusted expenditures. "This is the second and final reading of your final set of budget amendments for the year," Mrs. Owens said, and staff recommended approval and answered questions from the board.

Both items were placed under public hearing; no members of the public spoke during either hearing. Motions to approve were made and seconded, and the presiding official announced both items passed.

During discussion, board members praised the use of budget work sessions this year instead of a standalone finance committee, saying the sessions allowed more open participation and helped board members reach consensus. "Our work sessions are still open to the public... it's been a tough budget," one board member said, thanking staff and department heads for making necessary cuts.

Mrs. Owens clarified the certified tax-rate calculation: "When we calculated the certified tax rate... it was calculated at a dollar... you did a motion to exceed the certified tax rate to $1.13... you did not exceed your certified tax rate," she said, adding that appeals remain open and totals may change slightly but the comptroller agreed with the calculations.

Next steps: the adopted budget ordinance takes effect with the fiscal year schedule noted in the ordinance; staff will complete any remaining ministerial tasks related to appeals and final certification.

Provenance: The board discussed and voted on Ordinances 2026-06 (budget amendments) and 2026-07 (annual budget) during the June 1 meeting (topic introduction SEG 224; final related discussion and votes SEG 371).