Discuss and consider action to approve an ordinance on first and final reading with the caption reading: An Ordinance of the City of Pflugerville, Texas adopting the Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2027; providing appropriations for each city department and fund; adopting the City's Master Fee Schedule; containing a cumulative clause; and containing a savings and severability clause.

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

Mayor Weiss read the caption of the ordinance and opened the item. Ms. Waldron reviewed fund changes and proposed expenditures by major funds. Ms. Ryan stated her goal is to get to the no new revenue rate and discussed budget items including estimates of new construction and existing construction, operating costs, personnel expenses, TIRZ payments, franchise fees, compensation changes, and utility rates. Ms. Waldron provided information about use of impact fees for projects and discussion followed. Ms. Ryan discussed security cameras and Justice Center renovations. Mayor Weiss discussed the impact of the current proposed tax rate and 70% would be paying less than last year. Mr. Metayer discussed the impact of growth and keeping up with services. Mr. Rogers discussed moving $800,000 from Justice Center budget to the animal shelter. Ms. Ryan discussed setting the rate to the no new revenue rate. Ms. Waldron stated there will be a $1,000,000 hit to the general fund if setting at no new revenue rate. Discussion followed regarding tax rate implications. Mr. Metayer moved to approve ordinance 0899 to adopt the City's budget for Fiscal Year 2027 on first and final reading. Mr. Coffman seconded the motion. Ms. Ryan asked if this includes the financial policies. Ms. Waldron provided information about the policy discussion during a previous worksession. The vote was as follows: Mr. Coffman - yes, Mr. Rogers - no, Mayor Pro Tem Holiday - yes, Mr. Ruiz - yes, Mr. Metayer - yes, Mayor Weiss - yes, Ms. Ryan - no. The motion carried. Mr. Metayer made a motion to ratify the vote to adopt a budget that will require raising more revenue from property taxes than the previous fiscal year. Mayor Pro Tem Holiday seconded the motion. The vote was as follows: Mayor Weiss - yes, Ms. Ryan - no, Mr. Rogers - no, Mr. Metayer - yes, Mr. Coffman - yes, Mayor Pro Tem Holiday- yes, Mr. Ruiz - yes. The motion carried.

This motion is scored as EXPANDS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 9.2/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, measures that increase tax rates or fee schedules, issue new debt or Certificates of Obligation, expand regulatory/zoning restrictions on private land use, or authorize unbudgeted spending expansions reduce an official's Freedom Score when voted YES (and reward dissenting NO votes).