New Braunfels staff present ‘scenario 1’ budget; council to consider first reading Sept. 10

City staff presented an updated FY2027 operating budget under a package staff called "scenario 1," and the City Council directed staff to advance that scenario to ordinance first readings scheduled Sept. 10. Robert Camarino, the city manager, said the proposed tax rate now equals the no‑new‑revenue rate and noted staff adjusted funded and unfunded lists to reflect council feedback.

"The proposed tax rate is now equal to the no new revenue rate prior to this," Camarino said, framing the budget choices against modest property‑value growth driven largely by new construction. Jared, the staff presenter, said scenario 1 includes recurring and one‑time revenues recognized after higher‑than‑expected sales tax receipts.

Why it matters: staff said scenario 1 preserves the city's general‑fund reserves, sustains a double‑A rating from S&P and funds strategic initiatives totaling about $13.0 million. Officials also outlined next steps: the public hearing on the tax rate and proposed budget is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10 at 550 Landis Street, with adoption and the tax‑rate ordinance scheduled for a meeting beginning at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14.

Council direction: staff told council they would proceed with the scenario at the Sept. 10 meeting and return any changes necessary for the Sept. 14 hearing. Jared described the presentation and asked the council for a final consensus ahead of readings; later in the meeting staff confirmed that is the intended path.

Looking ahead: staff said they will continue to refine details requested by council members and promised additional material for items the team needed more time to analyze.