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City Council · September 28, 2026
Princeton Council Approves Budget, Tax Rate, And Parks Changes
Princeton City Council met Sept. 28, 2026, and worked through a long night of budget, tax, parks, library, and development items. Residents saw several key votes, including the fiscal 2026-27 budget, the tax rate, and a revised parks fee schedule, while some questions, like the audit process and some development procedure concerns, were still being discussed.
Budget Gets A Narrower Rule On Moving Money
Council adopted the fiscal 2026-27 budget after adding a guardrail on transfers. Under the amendment, the city manager can still make routine budget moves, but anything over $50,000 between departments or over $100,000 total for the same department during the fiscal year must come back to council for approval. Members said they wanted more oversight while the city is without a permanent manager.
Tax Rate Reconsidered After Initial Vote Missed Threshold
The council first fell short on the tax-rate item, then reopened it later in the meeting. After reconsideration, members approved the maintenance and operations rate, the debt-service rate, and the overall 0.472959 rate, which staff said would support the adopted budget. Staff said that without approval, the rate would have defaulted lower and reduced property tax revenue by about $4 million.
Revenue Increase Was Ratified Separately
Council also ratified the property tax revenue increase reflected in the budget. Finance staff said the city is projecting $3.294 million more in property tax revenue than last year, a 16.99% increase, with about $2.2 million tied to new value on the tax roll. That step is required separately from the budget and tax-rate vote.
Parks And Trails Master Plan Advances
Members approved the Parks and Trails Master Plan ordinance after staff said it had been through community charrettes, online feedback, and Parks Board review. Parks staff said the plan was built from public input over the past year and a half and is meant to guide future park layout, trails, and open space as Princeton grows.
Library Fee Opens Door For Nonresidents
Council approved a fee ordinance for nonresident Princeton Public Library cards. Staff said the policy is limited to people living in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Grayson, Hunt, or Rockwall counties, rather than opening access statewide, because the library has limited materials and funding.
Solid Waste Rates Go Up
Members approved the 2026-27 solid waste fee schedule, which includes a 47-cent increase passed through from the city’s contractor. Staff said the increase is tied to CPI, landfill costs, and fuel, and was presented as a direct cost recovery measure for residents. |
