Georgetown, September 11, 2025
News Summary
The Georgetown City Council has adopted a $1.3 billion budget, focusing on enhancing city services and infrastructure, while reducing the property tax rate to the lowest in the Austin metro area. Despite the tax cut, residents may see an increase in their average property tax bills due to rising property values. Utility rates will also rise across various services, creating challenges amidst budgetary changes.
Georgetown City Council Adopts $1.3 Billion Budget for Fiscal Year 2026
Georgetown City Council has officially adopted a Fiscal Year 2026 budget amounting to $1.3 billion on September 9. The budget marks a significant step towards improving city services and infrastructure while also addressing financial concerns for residents.
As part of the new financial plan, the property tax rate has been reduced to 35.3 cents per $100 of property valuation, making it the lowest rate among cities in the Austin metro area with populations exceeding 20,000. However, due to rising property values, Georgetown residents can expect an increase of approximately $14 in their average property tax bill this year despite the cut in the tax rate.
Utility Rate Increases
While property taxes have seen a reduction, utility customers will face several rate increases:
- Water rates will rise by 9%, which means an average increase of approximately $6.90 per month for residential customers consuming 10,000 gallons.
- Wastewater rates will increase by 12%, adding about $6.50 to monthly bills.
- Electric rates will go up by 2%, which equates to an added cost of around $2.40 per month for residential customers.
- Solid waste rates will see an increase of 4.5%, resulting in about $1 more per month for residential customers, while commercial customers will experience a 9.5% increase, raising their costs by $3.65 each month.
Key Budget Themes
The newly adopted budget concentrates on several critical themes:
- Reliable service delivery
- Investment in public safety resources
- Strategic infrastructure investments
- Strong fiscal stewardship
Factors shaping this budget include a slight growth in sales and property tax revenues, along with the ongoing challenge of maintaining service levels amidst a growing population.
Highlights of the Budget
Several exciting initiatives are included in the budget:
- The creation of 70 new positions across essential service areas, specifically 21 for police and fire.
- Implementation of employee recruitment and retention strategies featuring an average 3% merit increase.
- Adjustments for nonresident use of parks, recreation, and library services to counterbalance rising costs.
- Scalebacks on underutilized services, including closing an underused pool and reducing frequency in winter mowing and landscape maintenance.
- Investments in public safety and infrastructure, such as the preliminary design of new fire stations and various transportation improvements.
The proposed budget is accessible online at georgetowntexas.gov/finance, with the adopted budget book expected to be published later this year.
Conclusion
The City Council’s recent budget approval reflects a balance between fiscal responsibility and investment in city services, education, and safety, providing residents with essential resources while navigating the challenges of a growing population and rising costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the total amount of the adopted budget for FY 2026?
The total adopted budget for Fiscal Year 2026 is $1.3 billion.
What is the new property tax rate in Georgetown?
The new property tax rate in Georgetown is 35.3 cents per $100 of property valuation.
How will the new budget affect utility rates for residents?
Utility rates will increase across various services, including water, wastewater, electric, and solid waste rates.
What are some highlights of the new budget?
Highlights include the creation of 70 new positions, employee merit increases, and significant investments in public safety and infrastructure.
Where can residents find more information about the budget?
The proposed budget is available online at georgetowntexas.gov/finance.
Key Features of the Budget
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Budget | $1.3 billion |
| Property Tax Rate | 35.3 cents per $100 |
| Average Tax Bill Increase | $14 |
| Water Rate Increase | 9% |
| Wastewater Rate Increase | 12% |
| Electric Rate Increase | 2% |
| Solid Waste Rate Increase | 4.5% |
| New Positions Created | 70 |
| Average Merit Increase | 3% |
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Additional Resources
- Hello Georgetown
- Wikipedia: Property Tax
- CBS Austin
- Google Search: Georgetown 2026 Budget
- KVUE
- Google Scholar: Utility Rate Increase
- Government Technology Insider
- Encyclopedia Britannica: City Council Budget
- KXAN
- Google News: Georgetown City Council
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
