Stafford City Council will vote on a $36 million spending plan that dips into reserves at a special meeting Sept. 30.
The proposed FY 2026-27 General Fund budget projects $31.4 million in revenue against $36 million in expenditures, according to the meeting's agenda packet. The $4.6 million gap would be covered by drawing down the city's fund balance.
That draw would push Stafford's reserves $1.14 million below the three-month operating expense cushion required by city financial policy, Chief Financial Officer Alka Shah wrote in a Friday, Sept. 18, memo to Mayor Ken Mathew and the council.
Stafford levies no city property tax.
Its general fund runs primarily on sales tax revenue, projected at $21.9 million for the coming fiscal year, a 2% increase over the current adopted budget.
What the budget includes
The spending plan calls for a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for city employees, the release of one previously frozen Police Department position, salary bumps for positions paid more than 10% below market and $1,254,600 in capital and one-time spending.
In her memo, Shah warned that the budget exposes long-term structural challenges and said future spending plans must stop relying on the fund balance to cover recurring and capital costs.
Six votes on the agenda
Beyond the general budget, the council will take separate votes on:
- The Stafford Centre budget for FY 2026-27
- The Stafford Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) budget for FY 2026-27
- A new fee schedule for FY 2026-27
- The 2027 Holiday Observance Schedule
- Departmental training plans for FY 2026-27
Each item includes a public comment period. Residents can also speak during the general public comments portion at the start of the meeting.
How to attend
The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 30 at City Hall, 2610 South Main St. The agenda was posted Tuesday, Sept. 22, by City Secretary Roxanne Benitez.
Residents who need accommodations or interpretive services should contact the City Secretary's Office at (281) 261-3900 at least 48 hours before the meeting.
