The new Fort Worth City Hall on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024.
Amanda McCoy
amccoy@star-telegram.com
Fort Worth homeowners could pay less in city property taxes in 2027 under the city’s proposed budget, city manager Jay Chapa explained to City Council members during a work session meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
The city is facing a $76.8 million budget shortfall, driven by appraisal values that came in even lower than expected.
The recommended tax rate for the 2027 fiscal year is 70.2 cents per $100 of value, an increase of 3.2 cents from the current rate of 67 cents. The owner of a $335,000 home with a homestead exemption would pay $1,881.36.
Even though the tax rate has increased, the city said, a typical homeowner is projected to pay $16.69 less in city property taxes because of the decline in property values.
Even though homeowners could see slightly lower city property taxes next year, they will be paying roughly $7 more per month in solid waste, environmental, stormwater and wastewater services.
The proposed budget includes a proposed 8.5% pay increase for firefighters, and a 6% pay increase for police. The city will hire 77 more police officers.
The proposed budget also would eliminate or freeze some vacant positions within the city, Chapa said.
The Fort Worth City Council is expected to vote on the proposed tax rate and budget on Sept. 15. Presentations on the proposed budget are being held in each council district.
The next public hearing on the budget and tax rate is scheduled for Sept. 8.
This story was originally published August 11, 2026 at 5:08 PM.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Emily Holshouser is a local news reporter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.