Bryan staff present FY27 budget framework as certified rolls show 3.8% growth

City finance staff presented the proposed fiscal 2027 budget and tax-rate framework, reporting the certified tax rolls and a net valuation change after exemptions.

"We did receive the certified tax rolls, and so I want to give you all an update on how the valuations came," the presenter said, then described a 3.8% growth in certified rolls. Staff explained that business personal-property exemptions increased substantially in reporting this year, and that after exemptions and freezes the citys net valuation growth was lower than earlier projections. The presenter said the voter-approval rate the council may adopt without an election is 0.628 per $100, and the staff recommended setting a 'not to exceed' proposed tax rate tonight, scheduling a public hearing and the first reading of the tax-rate ordinance, with the second and final reading set for Sept. 15.

Staff also flagged a one-time shift of money from the debt-service (I&S) portion to the M&O general fund to preserve operations for FY27 and noted that overall citywide proposed revenues are about $556,000,000 with expenditures of about $569,000,000 across all funds. Councilors were invited to follow up with staff on details in the budget documents available on the city website and at the city secretary's office.