Weatherford City Council Meeting: Budget, Tax Rate, and Fire Station 5 - September 8, 2026

The Weatherford City Council held its regular session on September 8, 2026, at 6:01 PM, adjourning at 6:39 PM. The council approved the FY2027 budget, adopted the ad valorem tax rate, and authorized a design-build contract for Fire Station 5. A public hearing on the tax rate was held, with one resident expressing support.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Richard Heiser (1001 Thistle Hill, Weatherford) spoke during the public hearing on the proposed tax rate. He expressed strong support for the council's fiscal responsibility, noting that the city proposed a rate below the no-new-revenue rate for the sixth time in seven years. He acknowledged rising appraisals but commended the city for maintaining a flat rate and avoiding a tax increase.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing on Tax Rate (Item 7a): Director of Finance Linzy Blain explained that the proposed tax rate of $0.392246 per $100 valuation ($0.295646 for operations and maintenance, $0.0966 for debt service) is below the no-new-revenue rate and does not require a public hearing, but the city chose to hold one for public input. The rate was built using the FY2027 proposed budget and will raise less revenue than the current year due to the business personal property exemption increase (House Bill 9), which removed ~$68 million in taxable value. New construction offset the loss, allowing a flat rate. No action was required.
• Budget Adoption (Item 7b): Budget Manager Ashley Esquivel presented the FY2027 budget spanning 26 funds, supporting 17 departments and 333 employees. Total expenditures: $120.8 million. General fund: $61.4 million revenue vs. $61.3 million expenditures (marginal surplus of ~$65,000). Reserve levels exceed 120 days. Key allocations include a deputy court clerk, canine dog replacement, park enhancements (Love Street Park playground and restroom renovation), $3 million for street repairs, and capital projects (McBride's skate park, Holland Park renovations). The council unanimously approved the budget.
• Tax Rate Adoption (Item 7c): Linzy Blain presented the final step in Truth in Taxation. The rate of $0.392246 per $100 valuation is below the no-new-revenue rate, meaning no property tax increase. The rate was adopted unanimously on first and final reading (Ordinance O2026-34).
• Fire Station 5 Design-Build Contract (Item 7d): Assistant City Manager Dawn Brooks outlined the project's history: planning began in 2024, staffing (9 positions added incrementally), equipment (engine ordered July 2025, brush truck September 2025), and funding via 2025 Certificate of Obligation Bonds. Public Works saved ~$500,000 by moving 28,000 cubic yards of fill from another project. Brian and Eric Grossman of Grossman Design Build presented the 12,000 sq ft facility, including three apparatus bays, living quarters, a training center, a three-story burn building, an ICC 500 storm shelter, and contamination control zones. The Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) is $8,280,000, under the March estimate of $8.3–$8.5 million. Construction starts September 28, 2026; substantial completion by August 24, 2027; final completion October 8, 2027 (375-day contract). Council members asked about contingency (included, unused funds returned) and traffic safety on Rick Williamson Road. Staff confirmed an activated signal will be installed to stop traffic for apparatus egress. The contract was unanimously authorized.

Key Outcomes

• FY2027 Budget Approved (Item 7b): Unanimous vote (motion by Matt Ticzkus, second by Luke Williams).
• Ad Valorem Tax Rate Adopted (Item 7c): Unanimous vote (motion by Mayor Pro Tem Zack Smith, second by Matt Ticzkus) – Ordinance O2026-34, rate $0.392246 per $100 valuation.
• Fire Station 5 Design-Build Contract Authorized (Item 7d): Unanimous vote (motion by Luke Williams, second by Rod White) – City Manager authorized to execute contract with Grossman Design Build, not to exceed $8,280,000.