Brownwood residents are being asked to review a proposed $49.27 million Fiscal Year 2026/27 city budget that increases spending on public safety while keeping water, sewer and sanitation rates unchanged for customers inside the city limits.
The City of Brownwood held the first public hearing on the proposal, which was released in an immediate announcement dated Aug. 25, 2026. KOXE reported the budget on Aug. 27.
Public safety receives largest highlighted increase
The proposed budget dedicates $11.7 million to Police, Fire and Dispatch—about $740,000 more than in the current fiscal year. City officials said the additional funding is intended to cover public-safety personnel, compensation, equipment, vehicles and the rising cost of providing those services.
The spending plan also includes four new patrol Tahoes and a new fire engine. Police and Fire employees would receive 4% pay adjustments, while other city employees would receive a 3% cost-of-living adjustment. The city also plans to keep its current employee health plan without increasing employee premiums.
“Public safety is one of the most important services we provide, and this budget reflects that priority,” City Manager Marshal McIntosh said.
Proposed property tax rate would rise
To help support higher public-safety and service costs, the city is proposing a property tax rate of $0.7175 per $100 of valuation. The current rate is $0.6925. The proposed budget does not add new full-time positions.
McIntosh said the city is also working to maintain essential services, address infrastructure needs and explain to residents how the proposed tax rate would be used.
“At the same time, we are working to maintain essential services, invest in infrastructure needs, and be transparent with residents about the proposed tax rate and how those dollars will be used.”
Parks, downtown and long-term planning included
Beyond public safety, the proposal includes continued community investment in parks and recreation, downtown improvements and utility infrastructure planning. It also provides for development of a new Comprehensive Plan intended to guide Brownwood’s future growth and investment.
Residents can review the complete proposed budget, the city manager’s budget letter and additional budget information at brownwoodtexas.gov/budget. The material supplied for this report identifies the Aug. 25 public hearing as the first hearing but does not provide a final adoption date or additional hearing schedule.