The Brownsville City Commission officially adopted a balanced budget of $253 million for Fiscal Year 2026 while keeping the property tax rate at $0.603504, the same rate as FY 2025. The unanimous vote at the September 2, 2025, meeting reinforces the Mayor and Commissioners commitment to strategic growth, high-quality services, and financial stewardship. The budget is built upon the City’s foundational pillars: Economic Development, Planning, Zoning & Development, Infrastructure, Public Safety, Quality of Life & Vibrancy, and Governance.
“This budget represents more than numbers, it’s our blueprint for progress,” said Mayor John Cowen, Jr., City of Brownsville. “The City Commission’s proven leadership has demonstrated alignment in supporting a budget that invests in public safety, infrastructure, parks, and expanded library services, while maintaining fiscal responsibility. This budget ensures that our residents and businesses see the direct benefits of their tax dollars at work every day.”
“This budget has been right sized to provide for expanded services, while at the same time responsibly improving employee salaries to first and foremost retain up to 1,300 dedicated and talented employees while addressing critical infrastructure projects including streets and public safety facilities,” said Helen Ramirez, ICMA-CM, AICP, Brownsville City Manager. “It’s a roadmap towards creating more efficiencies through technology that will set up Brownsville not just today, but for generations to come.”
The FY 2026 budget reflects the City Commission’s continued commitment to smart growth, public trust, and community well-being. With strong leadership and collaborative planning, the City of Brownsville continues to move forward delivering outcomes that matter most to residents, businesses both small and large, and families.
“We developed this budget with the residents of Brownsville in mind, putting their needs first while making sure every dollar is used effectively”, said Alan Guard, CGFO, Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer, City of Brownsville. “Even with a lower tax rate from prior years, we continue to deliver better services and incredible value for our community across the board.”
The City of Brownsville thanks the Mayor and City Commission for their visionary leadership in adopting this budget and their dedication to building a better Brownsville.
Learn more about the City of Brownsville Budget at: www.BrownsvilleTX.gov
