The new rate takes effect Oct. 1, coinciding with the start of the 2025-26 fiscal year.<\/p>\n
City-Wide Improvements Planned<\/p>\n
Plano\u2019s $797 million budget<\/a> lays out ambitious plans for the year ahead, including $319 million in capital projects. About one-third of that will be devoted to street improvements. Other major projects include park upgrades, construction of a new police headquarters and a new fire station.<\/p>\n The plan also boosts funding for public safety positions, includes across-the-board pay increases for city employees and adds two new staff roles.<\/p>\n Debate Over Spending Priorities<\/p>\n Not all residents were satisfied with how funds are allocated. Plano resident Jennifer Groysman voiced sharp criticism over the city\u2019s communications spending, singling out lighthearted social media videos she felt were frivolous.<\/p>\n \u201cWe don’t need a woman dancing, wearing a traffic cone or a video of city council members playing football with a jar of peanut butter,\u201d Groysman said during the public comment section of the meeting<\/a>. \u201cWe really don’t care whether you like creamy or crunchy. There are more classier and economical ways to tell people about construction and the peanut butter drive.\u201d<\/p>\n Council Members Weigh In<\/p>\n Councilmember Rick Horne defended the budget, emphasizing the need to manage Plano\u2019s finances responsibly. \u201cMake no mistake, the city of Plano is a business,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019re not here to make a profit, but we also have to be good stewards of the people\u2019s money. Our biggest cost happens to be labor, and we have the best staff in the state, if not the country.\u201d<\/p>\n Not every council member was comfortable with the tax increase. Council Member Vidal Quintanilla expressed concerns about raising the rate too quickly. \u201cWhile I do recognize the importance of funding essential city services, I believe a more gradual stair-step approach will make it more efficient for our residents.\u201d<\/p>\n Groysman echoed that sentiment later in the meeting. \u201cIf you want to make Plano the place for middle-class families and not just for the rich, lower the rate and pass a lower rate,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n What\u2019s Next<\/p>\n The new budget and tax rate officially go into effect Oct. 1. City leaders say the additional revenue will allow Plano to maintain essential services and invest in long-term infrastructure, even as residents and council members continue to debate the balance between fiscal responsibility and affordability.<\/p>\n![\"downtown-plano\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/downtown-plano.jpg;w=960.jpeg\"\/)
\nPhoto: Historic Downtown Plano Association | Visit Plano
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