Boerne unveils proposed $163.9M budget and proposes 0.4790 tax rate; public hearings set

Finance Director Sarah Buckalew told the council the city’s all‑fund proposed budget for fiscal year 2026–27 is $163,900,000, a 7.7% decrease from the prior year, and recommended a proposed tax rate of 0.4790 per $100 valuation to support priorities and capital projects.

"If you're gonna start at the end with the answer, this is the budget infographic that tells you the high level number... high level total city budget...163,900,000, which is a 7.7% decrease over last year," Buckalew said. She walked the council through revenue drivers (ad valorem, sales tax, permit revenue), noted a modest projected surplus to be transferred to capital funds, and explained tax‑rate components including the no‑new‑revenue rate and voter‑approval rate.

Council moved to receive the proposed budget, confirm the proposed tax rate (0.4790) for notification purposes, and set the first public hearing on Aug. 25, 2026 at 6 p.m. and a second on Sept. 8, 2026 at 6 p.m.; each motion passed unanimously. Staff emphasized that these actions receive the budget and publish required notices — the council has not adopted a final tax rate or budget.