[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6587841,"mediaKeyId","5545753-f087ef88928d3e0ca65080c6e4c6f71c","parentId",5545753,"title","Votes at a glance: Council sets September public hearings on tax rate and FY26 budget","audioSeconds",104,"startMs",5811000,"endMs",5915000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5545753-f087ef88928d3e0ca65080c6e4c6f71c&start=5811&end=5915","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5545753-f087ef88928d3e0ca65080c6e4c6f71c/thumbnail_5811000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6587841/Richardson/Dallas-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Council-sets-September-public-hearings-on-tax-rate-and-FY26-budget","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6587841-a22d66e98d4855be2b6cfcf76e87aac7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770495369&Signature=PWzpZk5WlWzryFG~n1nM4qye9gjPx0gEEowDp2CDgHBenQLtoM2FedDq~sYSeGkuXGVdkwVpuvYWRDtVfsOrh0q-5miVO6RedKb7ItRhaQp92uyUWFI8JboSHBJo617oAZJP127ixQTdlhUlyzJeV3a5RR~Dat6E1lmeab05QUExpsdCCIjnqLCEWpQoIA5Rwo3eU0ARH1o54qDI1MdN9L3BEqfjZCtB-I84mvjfpcfYglDCbF98XW05RJodBcIq2SfLwqjMfI-uH-TPUAFZC6BT28wNn3S5DCQscisaM7Of5jnat7KfJSr2~QMb3D~eYSZHrh-z6rvnqFaZw4-WeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Richardson","date","2025-08-05T00:00:00Z","article","The council took two formal actions at the end of the budget workshop to schedule the required public hearings for the tax rate and the proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget.

Councilmember Dorian moved to set a public hearing on the proposed tax rate for September 8, 2025 (rate included in the motion: 0.54218 per $100 valuation). Councilmember Shamsul seconded. The chair called the vote and staff recorded the motion as passing. After a brief procedural exchange about a member’s video feed, staff noted a technical issue and said the official tally for that vote would reflect the video status; the motion was recorded in the meeting record as passed.

Councilmember Dorian then moved to set a public hearing on the proposed FY2025–26 budget for September 15, 2025; Councilmember Shamsul seconded. The motion passed on a recorded voice vote with the mayor pro tem later shown on video and the item entered as passing 7–0.

Actions (from meeting):
• Motion: Set public hearing on proposed tax rate for 09/08/2025 — mover: Councilmember Dorian; second: Councilmember Shamsul; outcome: passed (voice vote; meeting record indicates the motion passed; staff noted a subsequent video‑feed clarification about one member’s voting status).
• Motion: Set public hearing on proposed FY2025–26 budget for 09/15/2025 — mover: Councilmember Dorian; second: Councilmember Shamsul; outcome: passed (voice vote recorded 7–0).

Ending: Staff said they will publish the required notices and include the hearings in the public schedule for September reporting and the formal proposed budget filing on September 15.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Richardson - City Council Budget Workshop","oneSentenceSummary","The Richardson City Council moved and approved public hearing dates on the proposed tax rate and the proposed FY26 budget. The motions passed on voice votes; council recorded the tax-rate hearing motion with an initial video‑related discrepancy that staff later noted in the record.","taxTitle","Richardson, Dallas County, Texas","taxId",2786,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6587847,"Council weighs timing for next bond program, staff outlines Series 2026 capital plan",562,4723000,5285000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5545753-f087ef88928d3e0ca65080c6e4c6f71c&start=4723&end=5285","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5545753-f087ef88928d3e0ca65080c6e4c6f71c/thumbnail_4723000.jpg","/articles/6587847/Richardson/Dallas-County/Texas/Council-weighs-timing-for-next-bond-program-staff-outlines-Series-2026-capital-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6587847-e5da3a2846b0306b6769d73c3c335ed3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770495369&Signature=X8fNvpLHGv7-ECaa2jZ1g1alhF7R9rpXUAi1vj3Ewa4Yb2TpGArqRNXsznwQMbU7evrloGMXb33dNk8yhGJLjWMtcN52fZ2yX479bccXe~FO1R4uev2AP7s27LQwY4D3tq1l~osPJMFAsLJPgK2l0xsEpKk8FH3SqOFkAZFB4vZ6AzzwQkTyHWtvqWt9m12eE6bcSN~gxsXERD56kZJAN7r4~wfWM3T9si89KQ~yB4MFOhnZuQBh88rd787AM34kDU6AgKuEAa00YJpg1L49C~L3rFRPMlt6d993y~IR-mNoGJg3BTA4uJvT0wZ8Xz9f1uol4KEEN4y~BzccKxFV3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff described the capital program framework and election timing considerations for a potential Series 2026 bond program and for subsequent bond series. The presentation summarized recent bond activity, candidate propositions and a conservative modeling approach to debt capacity.

Staff said the city’s conservative bond model assumes limited taxable‑value growth and conservative interest-rate assumptions, and presented a hypothetical target program size that would use about $200 million of an estimated $250 million capacity. “If you look at the next 8 years, we're assuming 6% total growth,” staff said, adding that the modeled first sale in a new program would occur in the FY27 timeframe if the council places a bond on the 2026 ballot.

Why it matters: bond timing affects voter turnout, competing ballot items and cost. Staff outlined two choices: a May 2026 election (which could produce more focused local attention but lower turnout) or a November 2026 election (higher turnout but a busier ballot). Staff noted that combining the bond election with a charter election could save an estimated $175,000 in election costs, but warned that council does not have to decide immediately.

Councilmembers discussed sequencing, the city’s completed 2021 program projects and remaining capital needs such as streets, sidewalks, parks and city facilities. Several members asked for a dedicated work session and more public engagement around proposition composition before committing to a calendar date. Councilmember Shamsul said she wanted an opportunity for broader discussion; other members echoed that preference for more time to evaluate projects and ballot composition.

Ending: staff said they would place the election-call item on a future agenda for additional council discussion if requested and that the capital project refresh work (streets, sidewalks, ADA, traffic) will continue to inform final proposition selection.","Staff presented a capital and debt plan for a potential Series 2026 bond issuance, reviewed bond-program history and outlined pros and cons of May vs. November 2026 election timing; council asked for additional discussion before deciding whether to call a bond election.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6587851,"Council hears proposal to use attrition to fund targeted market pay adjustments, not a uniform raise",334,171000,505000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5545753-f087ef88928d3e0ca65080c6e4c6f71c&start=171&end=505","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5545753-f087ef88928d3e0ca65080c6e4c6f71c/thumbnail_171000.jpg","/articles/6587851/Richardson/Dallas-County/Texas/Council-hears-proposal-to-use-attrition-to-fund-targeted-market-pay-adjustments-not-a-uniform-raise","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6587851-04c21cafe1ca312da6bdfb989a8ba93e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770495369&Signature=dS0nMuTDehK8lqU0Gn8ebH2Tumih51gTILznOHYvFCFw2IcBwocTw8UpOt7eN15LtKPw51UOal6DuSLXAXW0GenW2Hgm7Z1wfThT116amYsUlvzAgX6xDA1b0Uymv0aTM2lK~J-H8MmAEhXykb8kE0h1s9hd6Wea64lY-V3V2JgnRaUFxk1FhpGTvvNVGJ2k-thPUe7v5xiit5XLnxOktXiljBmXMTaEF89W8Znx~WJgtOjFft-E5ZvhWEpWO5B0P8KMgYZ4qBdzL7MCFfQOEPrOI-pKfzqh5XSiPbv5WMs5ZYuuyS4dObvc~a8d4mEauZQUlc1JgV65C00uqMXk6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff proposed a targeted set of market adjustments aimed at frontline and hard‑to‑fill positions rather than an across‑the‑board 1% increase for non‑sworn employees, telling council the approach reduces cost while addressing pay equity concerns.

Don Magner said the administration recommends 2.5% merit increases for sworn public‑safety personnel effective Oct. 1, plus an additional 2% on April 1, 2026; for non‑sworn positions staff recommended targeted market adjustments after a 2.5% baseline increase. Jose Marino, the city’s HR director, had reviewed market data to identify positions that would remain out of market after the baseline increase, Magner said.

Why it matters: the proposed surgical approach seeks to preserve internal equity while concentrating limited dollars on positions ranked lowest in the market analysis. Magner told council that a 1% across‑the‑board increase would cost roughly $770,000 across all funds and about $600,000 in the general fund. Instead, he said staff could use roughly $80,000 in general‑fund savings — identified through a conservative 7% attrition assumption and frozen positions — to move low‑ranked positions into better market placement.

Several council members asked whether the strategy would create operational strain by keeping positions frozen. Magner said he expected the savings to be realized more from natural attrition than from leaving critical positions vacant and noted the city’s historical average attrition rate is closer to 10% (he said the budget assumes 7%). Councilmember Barrios and others pressed for clarity on which positions would receive adjustments and whether the city is losing employees to private‑sector competitors; staff said most vulnerability remains among frontline technical positions (building and construction inspectors, trades, water operators, fleet and facilities technicians) while many professional positions are more fully staffed.

Ending: Council members expressed support for the targeted approach while asking staff to ensure operational continuity and to provide a list of the position titles and estimated adjustments so council could review the operational implications before final budget adoption.","Staff proposed a targeted approach to close market gaps for frontline positions rather than a uniform 1% raise across non‑sworn employees; staff said about $80,000 in general‑fund savings from attrition would finance the adjustments.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6587855,"Richardson council reviews FY26 budget proposals, including 6% water/sewer increase and fee changes",3236,2644000,5880000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5545753-f087ef88928d3e0ca65080c6e4c6f71c&start=2644&end=5880","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5545753-f087ef88928d3e0ca65080c6e4c6f71c/thumbnail_2644000.jpg","/articles/6587855/Richardson/Dallas-County/Texas/Richardson-council-reviews-FY26-budget-proposals-including-6-watersewer-increase-and-fee-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6587855-151ede79198e4925d4277e38ee29ee1c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770495369&Signature=bm5Hv0RKgHNAwV57i3AY25I-2PY-c7OcxO-icoEIvik5P6mB1ierb6B9w5y~a979sm9WB0vNFB4u-T0VwdanZLnHYWdPbpRtIKr2V-OkqGGc-65P4a7HZCoS45Ew~0kSgTQccpzkH7Ycn3kvllzFYnpu68bF9PSuJ1hp6ajJKW8KEx89K-2hSJfC8tPAlTL4hdVnpQD1B657qFA6Z4Y~4eNohO~FADeDHSYoB669BkTvIsPZCjxlomQOPXjd9QHlpNCImJS~D9B-kRMscA2c8SzUeGlQmgK3hiFWPKX9belTkZVoQBciMq8aYentdUxl~xMtKgi9GSyPf3GwL0IOPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Richardson City Council heard a detailed presentation on the proposed fiscal year 2025–26 operating and capital budget, including a recommended 6% retail increase for water and sewer service and a package of modest fee increases for drainage and solid waste.

City staff presented the package at a budget workshop, saying the water and sewer recommendation responds in part to wholesale cost increases the city is receiving from the North Texas Municipal Water District and from sewer treatment partners. “We are recommending a 6% increase in water and sewer,” staff member Don Magner said during the presentation. Staff also proposed a $1 monthly increase to the residential drainage fee (bringing it to $6.25 per month) and a $0.50 monthly increase for residential solid waste service.

The nut graph: the changes are intended to preserve fund balance targets while covering higher wholesale charges and new regulatory requirements. Magner said the city faces a two‑year wholesale cost challenge — he cited an approximately 4% wholesale water increase and about a 15.5% sewer treatment increase reported by regional providers — and proposed spreading impacts to reduce next year’s pressure.

In the presentation, budget staff described ongoing implementation of EPA-related requirements for water systems, including a new lead-and-copper inspection requirement and the city’s Capacity, Management, Operation and Maintenance (CMOM) program. The water fund proposal includes an estimated $20 million of debt associated with restarting CMOM work, as well as a $2,000,000 pay‑as‑you‑go capital allocation and a target of roughly 91 days of fund balance. Bob, the budget staff member who provided fund detail, said about 97.5% of the water fund’s projected $119.9 million in revenue comes from service fees and that the packaged 6% retail increase would generate a large share of a projected $6.5 million revenue increase.

For drainage, staff noted state statute requires a reasonable and equitable methodology for drainage fees; staff said they had reviewed the statute and sought legal input before proposing the uniform increase for residential and commercial customers. Magner said most of the added drainage fee revenue would be dedicated to capital projects rather than operations.

On solid waste, staff recommended the $0.50 residential increase and targeted market-based commercial adjustments to keep fees competitive and recover costs; the solid waste presentation also included several service-fee changes, such as a proposed $50 charge for overloaded containers and increases to special pickup fees, intended to encourage customers to choose the appropriate service level.

The golf fund was presented with no rate increases; staff said both courses are expected to be open for the full year and that the fund is budgeted to meet its target fund-balance days. The hotel/motel fund shows a projected occupancy decline of roughly 4.4% compared with FY25; staff attributed part of that change to prior-year optimistic revenue estimates and to shifts in the presentation series at the Eisemann Center. Staff proposed raising the Eisemann Center facility maintenance fee by $1 and simplifying the venue’s fee schedule.

Council members asked about alternatives such as tiered water rates, targeted senior or veteran utility discounts, and regional opportunities tied to large events such as the FIFA World Cup. Magner and other staff said the city will study tiered-rate options and consider partnerships and targeted assistance programs, but they did not put any new discount program into the FY26 baseline budget.

The presentation closed with staff saying the combined effect of the proposed tax, fee and service changes would increase the typical taxpayer’s annual costs (taxes plus water, sewer, drainage and residential solid waste) by about $237 under the assumptions in the presentation. Staff recommended keeping the property tax rate unchanged from the rate used to build the proposal.

Ending: Council asked staff to return with follow-up analysis on tiered rates, targeted assistance options and specific capital project timing; staff said they would present a formal proposed budget and two public hearings on the tax rate and the budget in September.","At a budget workshop, staff outlined the fiscal 2025–26 operating and capital proposals that would raise retail water and sewer rates by 6% and raise several user fees, while holding the proposed property tax rate steady. Council discussed mandates, capital needs and a two‑year approach to wholesale rate increases.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Council sets September public hearings on tax rate and FY26 budget

Council weighs timing for next bond program, staff outlines Series 2026 capital plan

Council hears proposal to use attrition to fund targeted market pay adjustments, not a uniform raise

Richardson council reviews FY26 budget proposals, including 6% water/sewer increase and fee changes