The City Council has approved the FY 2026 budget, a $329.9 million financial plan that focuses on making life better for our community today and preparing for tomorrow.
Breakdown of key funds:
| General Fund | $147 million |
| Water & Wastewater Fund | $76.2 million |
| Hotel/Motel Fund | $6.1 million |
| Reinvestment Zone Fund | $50.7 million |
| Drainage Fund | $3.6 million |
Here are 5 things you should know about the FY 2026 Budget:
1. Property Taxes at a Glance
The new property tax rate is $0.6999 per $100 of your home’s value (an 11.72% increase). We understand that any increase can be a concern, but this adjustment ensures that the City of Temple can continue providing the services you rely on while keeping up with our community’s rapid growth.
What does this mean for you:
- Safety first: Well-funded police and fire departments are better equipped to respond quickly and keep neighborhoods secure.
- Better streets and infrastructure: Roads, sidewalks, and traffic signal management get the attention they need, so your daily commute and neighborhood stay in good shape.
- Parks and recreation you enjoy: Safe, modern playgrounds, trails, and green spaces for your family to play, gather, and relax.
You can estimate your annual City taxes with this formula:
Property tax amount = (0.6999 ) x ( taxable value of your property ) / 100
Or, visit bell.countytaxrates.com/tax, where you can easily access information regarding your property taxes, which also include county, school district, and other jurisdictions.
Example: For an average homestead taxable value of $220,566, your City of Temple taxes would increase by approximately $19.90 a month or $238.85 a year.
2. Keeping Up With Growth
Temple is one of the fastest growing cities in the state, and as more people move here, the demand for services like police, fire, streets, parks, and solid waste increase too. The new property tax revenue, about $11.7 million more than last year, including $3.5 million from new homes and businesses, helps ensure that growth is shared across the community.
Your property’s value is set by the Tax Appraisal District of Bell County, not the City. This new revenue ensures Temple can keep up with growth, maintain high-quality services, and make improvements that benefit our community now and in the future.
3. Keeping Our Community Safe
The FY 2026 Operating Budget dedicates $53.4 million to the Temple Police Department and Temple Fire & Rescue. That means your first responders will have the tools and training they need to keep you and your neighbors safe.
What this means for you:
- Expanded districts: Increased patrol and response districts for police and fire services.
- Advanced technology: Additional resources such as drones and license plate readers help prevent crime and solve cases faster.
- Well-trained teams: Continued investment in staffing, training, and equipment keeps our public safety teams ready for a growing city.
4. Enhancing Everyday Life
Parks and Recreation:
The FY 2026 Operating Budget invests $20.5 million in Temple’s Parks and Recreation system and facilities. These improvements impact your daily life in many ways:
- Parks and trails you’ll enjoy: New playground equipment, updated trails, and improved green spaces for families and neighbors.
- Recreation facilities for all ages: Continued facility improvements for fitness, recreation, and community spaces.
Water and Wastewater:
The FY 2026 Operating Budget invests $76.2 million in Temple’s Water and Wastewater System, along with key infrastructure upgrades.
- Water security: Protecting and expanding water sources so residents have clean, dependable water for years to come.
- Wastewater reliability: Upgrading treatment systems that clean and safely return water to the environment, to provide consistent and dependable service.
5. Planning for a Stronger Temple
The FY 2026 Budget looks ahead by investing $118.8 million in the Capital Improvement Program that shapes Temple’s future while benefiting residents today:
- Equipment: $4.8 million supports vehicles, machinery, and technology that keep operations running smoothly and responsive to resident needs.
- Facilities: $21.95 million invests in upgrades and new construction of city facilities to provide safe, modern, and accessible spaces for employees and the community.
- Mobility: $21.81 million enhances Temple’s transportation network, including road improvements, pavement rehabilitation, and other mobility initiatives that reduce congestion and improve safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
- Places & Spaces: $3.75 million invests in parks, trails, and public spaces which enrich the quality of life by creating inviting areas for recreation, gatherings, and community activities.
- Public Safety: $3.99 million supports equipment, facilities, and infrastructure for police, fire, and emergency services. These investments strengthen response capabilities and help protect residents and property.
- Utilities: $62.5 million ensures the city’s water, wastewater, and stormwater systems remain reliable, sustainable, and ready to meet future growth.
The FY 2026 Budget was built with community input through workshops and public hearings. Thank you for being part of shaping Temple’s future.
The budget officially goes into effect October 1, 2025.