Round Rock council adopts proposed FY27 tax rate after budget presentation

The Round Rock City Council moved forward with its proposed FY27 spending plan and adopted a property tax rate of $0.423 during its Aug. 27 meeting.

City finance staff presented a $684.1 million citywide budget and a General Fund proposal of $199.4 million, including 52.5 new full‑time equivalents largely for public safety and operations of recently voter‑approved facilities. Finance director Kevin told the council the proposed rate “is an increase of 3.8¢ or 9.8 percent above that no new revenue tax rate,” and staff said proceeds would fund seven new police officers, 15 new firefighters and maintenance and operations for new recreation facilities.

Supporters of the rate said it is necessary to cover contracted step increases for police and fire, operations of new bond‑funded facilities and growing debt service tied to infrastructure projects. Two residents spoke during the public hearing: Justin Tankersley opposed the increase and questioned whether commercial growth (including data centers) would offset taxpayer burdens, while Gary Oldham urged more restraint on debt and said the city should recover costs from private incidents when possible.

By roll call, the council voted to adopt the proposed rate (motion by Mayor Pro Tem Montgomery, seconded by Councilmember Ortega). The ordinance and final budget will be returned for any remaining procedural steps at the next scheduled meeting.