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City Council · August 3, 2026
Celina Eyes $529 Million Budget As Growth Pressure Builds
Celina City Council spent its August 3 meeting reviewing the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 city budget and a separate Economic Development Corporation budget, with both shaped by the city’s rapid growth. The discussion touched nearly every service residents use, from police, fire and water to library staffing, property taxes and garbage bills.
City Manager Unveils $529 Million Budget Plan
Staff presented a proposed city budget of about $529 million, including a $76 million general fund that pays for day to day city services. Officials said the plan was built around fast population growth, with Celina now estimated at more than 73,000 residents and projected to top 100,000 within five years.
Tax Rate Proposal Stays Flat Under State Formula
Staff said the proposed property tax rate would be about $0.572 per $100 valuation. Under this year’s calculations, the no-new-revenue rate and voter-approval rate came out the same. Even with the lower rate than past years, staff said total city property tax collections would still rise through new construction and allowed growth.
Average Home Values Drop, Monthly Bills Could Fall
The average home value used in the presentation dropped from about $603,000 to $582,000, and staff said the average resident could see a monthly bill reduction of about $14.70 when property tax and solid waste changes are combined. That estimate could matter for homeowners watching costs, though staff tied much of the drop to lower taxable values.
Police And Fire Hiring Drive General Fund Growth
Public safety remained the biggest spending area in the proposed budget. Staff recommended nine new firefighters tied to a four-person staffing model and 10.5 new police positions, along with nearly $1 million in police software, equipment and services. For residents, that points to more staffing as the city tries to keep pace with growth.
Library Expansion Brings New Staffing Push
The opening of the Downtown Center in February would trigger a major expansion of library service under the proposed budget. Staff recommended 10.5 new library positions, with three hires planned in October and the rest in January so the city can prepare for a February 1 opening. That could mean broader library access once the building opens.
Parks And Front Desk Staffing Also Added
The proposal also includes a new receptionist for City Hall and three positions tied to the clubhouse at Owsley Park, most of them part time or expanded part time roles. Staff said the Owsley building would allow more services to be offered there as the city continues building out public spaces.
Budget Shifts Free Up Cash For Core Services
To create more room in the general fund, staff proposed shifting $971,000 in parks and recreation operating costs to the park fee fund and moving $536,000 from the Community Development Corporation through an administrative transfer. Staff described those moves as a bridge to help support police, fire, library and other city services.
Event Costs Raise New Policy Questions
Staff warned that city events continue to grow in cost and said future policy discussions are needed on how to control expenses or increase revenue. No action was taken on that issue at this meeting, but it could affect how often residents see festivals and community events, and how those events are funded.
Water And Wastewater Budget Reflects Big System Costs
The proposed utility budget shows rising costs for water, wastewater and debt tied to major infrastructure. Staff said a 4% water and wastewater rate increase is expected in fiscal year 2027, likely in the spring, following the rate study already approved. Residents and businesses could see that show up later in utility bills. | 