“Putting this referendum on the ballot puts the choice directly in the hands of those who live, work, own businesses, raise families, and invest in this community.”

— Mayor Dylan Hedrick

At its Aug. 17 Regular Meeting, the Garland City Council voted unanimously to call a special election for Tuesday, Nov. 3, putting the City’s adopted property tax rate for 2026-27 on the ballot. Council called the election following public meetings, City Council discussions and community input.

If voters approve the Garland Tax Rate Election:
2026-27 Property Tax Rate = $0.679900

If voters do not approve the Garland Tax Rate Election:
2026-27 Property Tax Rate = $0.643254

Budget differences associated with the election:

If voters approve the proposition, the City’s 2026-27 adopted tax rate of $0.679900 per $100 of taxable value will take effect. The 2026-27 adopted budget allocates approximately $7.1 million of the resulting additional M&O revenue to specified positions, programs and operating expenditures, including:

10 Police Officer positions and four vehicles

Nine Firefighter positions and Firefighter overtime

Eight 9-1-1 Dispatcher positions

Three Animal Services Technician positions

$554,500 for library materials and resources

$396,855 for the following City-produced special events: Art Made Here, Asian American Heritage Festival, Juneteenth, Fall Fest & Guzzler Run, Día de los Muertos, Sensory-Friendly Christmas and 12 Music Made Here concerts

$765,821 for parks maintenance, City landscaping and parks security

If voters do not approve the proposition, the voter-approval rate of $0.643254 per $100 of taxable value will take effect, resulting in a budget amendment adopted or directed by the City Council to provide for removal or reduction of the positions, services and programs listed above.

Referendum Facts

Voting Information