On August 12, 2026, Buda City Manager Charles R. Smith filed the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget with the city council. The $123.4 million budget represents a 6.2% increase over the current fiscal year, driven largely by public safety and infrastructure investments.
The proposal includes funding for 12 new police officers and 8 new firefighters, as well as $15 million for road improvements and $8 million for water and wastewater system upgrades. The city also plans to add 10 new parks and recreation staff to support growing community needs.
City Manager Smith emphasized the budget's focus on maintaining a strong reserve fund, which is projected to remain at 25% of operating expenditures. The proposed tax rate is $0.45 per $100 valuation, a slight decrease from the current rate, reflecting increased property values.
The city council will hold a series of public hearings in September before adopting the final budget, which must be approved by September 30, 2026. Residents are encouraged to provide feedback during the hearings.
