San Angelo City Council Approves Budget, Higher Tax Rate

SAN ANGELO, TX — San Angelo City Council on Tuesday adopted the city’s 2025–26 budget and set a higher property tax rate, with most of the increase tied to the voter-approved Coliseum bond. Both measures passed 6–1.

Council approved a property tax rate of $0.7947 per $100 valuation, up from last year’s $0.7544. The change represents a 9.67% increase in property tax revenue, including $861,795 from new properties added to the tax roll.

Finance staff said nearly all of the increase stems from the Coliseum renovation bond referendum voters passed earlier this year, while the rest comes from new growth and the maximum 3.5% maintenance and operations adjustment allowed without another election.

The $242 million budget includes $241 million in expenditures, leaving about $1.4 million in revenue over costs. Funded items include:

• Police Department training, software, and equipment

• Fire Department overtime and fire apparatus

• Additional Animal Services staff and rescue services

• Software upgrades for HR, planning, and the city website

• Retiree insurance

• 5% raises for city employees

Councilmember Mary Coffey cast the lone dissenting vote, citing constituent concerns about higher bills in the wake of the July 4 flood. Staff noted residents with significant property damage can apply for appraisal relief through the Tom Green County Appraisal District.

The budget and tax rate take effect Oct. 1.