Garland City Council Adopts Ordinance 7691 Ratifying $10.6 Million Property Tax Revenue Expansion for Public Safety

GARLAND, TX — The Garland City Council voted to formally adopt Municipal Ordinance 7691, ratifying an increase in municipal property tax revenue of $10.6 million for the 2026–2027 fiscal year operating budget.

Funding Police Compensation and Stormwater Drainage

The ratified revenue adjustment funds a 5% step-pay compensation increase for frontline police officers and firefighters, addressing regional public safety recruitment competition from neighboring Dallas and Plano. The revenue also finances debt service for $32 million in voter-approved capital bonds upgrading Duck Creek stormwater drainage culverts to prevent neighborhood flash flooding.

Mayor and council members affirmed that maintaining competitive first responder compensation and upgrading aging flood infrastructure are essential civic investments.

Citizen Testimony and Budget Debate

Several local residents testified during public hearings, urging council to identify internal administrative efficiencies to mitigate residential property appraisal inflation.

Public safety associations commended council for approving competitive salary adjustments for emergency crews.

Fiscal Year Implementation

The 2026–2027 municipal fiscal year and updated tax rate take effect on October 1, 2026.