Manvel's New Budget: Same Tax Rate, More Money Coming In

Manvel's New Budget: Same Tax Rate, More Money Coming InOn Sept. 21, the Manvel City Council voted unanimously to approve a $70.4 million budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The budget brings in and spends about the same amount of money, so it is balanced. The general fund, which pays for the city's daily operations, is about $20.7 million. That is roughly 7.4% more than last year's $19.3 million.Much of the increase comes from staffing. Employee costs make up about 24% of the city's spending, not counting money moved between funds, and they are up about 19% from last year. The city is adding nine new full-time jobs in public works, parks and recreation, and administration. Higher insurance costs also played a part. So did several positions that were paid for only half of last year and will now be paid for the full year.For residents, the property tax rate is staying the same at 56 cents for every $100 of a home's taxable value. That means the owner of a home with a taxable value of $300,000 would pay about $1,680 a year in city property taxes. Even with the same rate, the city expects to collect almost $1.9 million more in property taxes than last year, a jump of about 14.5%. About $1.3 million of that comes from new property added to the tax rolls as Manvel keeps growing. The council can still change the budget during the year if unexpected costs or income come up, but any changes have to be approved by the council.