The City of New Braunfels is taking significant steps to engage its residents in the fiscal planning process for the upcoming year. According to the City of New Braunfels, a series of public meetings is scheduled to discuss the fiscal year 2027 budget and tax rate, providing an opportunity for residents to learn about and influence the city's financial planning.
Public Meetings on Budget and Tax Rate
Each year, the city develops a budget that outlines how resources will be allocated to maintain services, fund new initiatives, and support community priorities. This process involves months of analysis and discussion, including a review of departmental needs, city funds, projected revenues, and the proposed tax rate. The New Braunfels City Council will host a series of budget meetings at New Braunfels City Hall, located at 550 Landa Street. These meetings will feature presentations on key budget considerations and offer residents a chance to ask questions and hear directly from city staff about the initiatives planned for the coming year.
- Tuesday, August 11, 5pm: Presentation of FY 2027 Proposed Budget and Budget Work Session.
- Monday, August 17, 5pm: Budget Work Session.
- Tuesday, August 18, 5pm: Budget Work Session.
- Wednesday, August 19, 5pm: Budget Work Session.
- Thursday, September 10, 6pm: Public Hearings on Budget & Tax Rate, First reading of Budget and Tax Rate ordinances.
- Monday, September 14, 6pm: Second (final) reading of Budget & Tax Rate ordinances.
Residents are encouraged to attend these workshops to engage in the decision-making process that shapes services, programs, and investments across New Braunfels. All meetings will be recorded for later viewing at www.newbraunfels.gov/agendas.
Free Training for Arts & Heritage Grants
In addition to budget discussions, the City of New Braunfels is offering a free training session for local non-profit agencies interested in applying for Arts & Heritage grant funds through the local Hotel Occupancy Tax. The training is scheduled for August 28, from 11:30am to 2:30pm, in the Tejas Room at New Braunfels City Hall. This initiative is part of the city's efforts to support the growth of the local tourism and convention industry, with 15% of the revenues specifically dedicated to enhancing arts and cultural organizations and programs.
Eligible art-related programs include instrumental and vocal music, dance, drama, folk art, creative writing, architecture, design, and allied fields, among others. Heritage-related grants support historical restoration and preservation projects or activities, as well as promotional programs to encourage tourism to preserved historic sites or museums.
To qualify for these grants, organizations must be non-profit entities as designated by the IRS and defined in the Texas Tax Code Chapter 351. The free training session will provide updates and instructions for the local application process, including a presentation by Texas Hotel & Lodging Association President Scott Joslove. More information about Arts & Heritage grants in New Braunfels can be found at www.newbraunfels.gov/HOTgrants.
These initiatives reflect New Braunfels' commitment to transparency and community involvement in financial and cultural development. Residents are encouraged to participate actively in these discussions and training sessions to help shape the future of their city.