Amarillo · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Amarillo public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Budget Debate
Amarillo is holding a special City Council meeting this Tuesday to debate and hash out the upcoming financial plans. If you care about where your tax dollars go and how city services are funded, this is the meeting to watch.
Proposed 2026/2027 Fiscal Year Tax Rate
City leaders reviewed budget scenarios, tax rates, sales tax contributions, and fund allocations. Discrepancies in truth-in-taxation calculations led the council to delay final action until a special session on Monday.
Contract Renewals
Staff recommended moving from a rotational model to an enhanced single-source towing contract with improved performance standards.
FY 2026-27 TIRZ #3 Annual Budget and Financial Oversight
The board reviewed financial reports and the upcoming fiscal year budget for Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #2, which impacts local economic development funding and tax increment revenues.
Hospital District Budgeting
The committee was scheduled to review the upcoming fiscal year budget for the hospital district, which guides healthcare funding and operational spending.
Animal Services Cost Recovery
The board discussed the financial cost recovery analysis for animal services originally reviewed during the March pre-budget workshop.
Property Tax Relief
Heads up, Amarillo! Your property taxes are going up next year. Local governments are facing budget shortfalls, so expect to shell out more cash for your home.
Landfill Management and Fire Safety
Amarillo is dropping $1.5 million on new trash dumpsters. The city council approved the cash injection, so hopefully, we'll see fewer overflowing bins around town.
Affordable Housing Funding
Good news for folks looking for affordable housing! Amarillo's City Council is tossing $80,000 towards a new Habitat for Humanity home. This means more families could get a shot at homeownership.
Street Maintenance and Reconstruction Bond Program
Public works officials updated the council on street repair programs, pavement condition indexes, and the impact of annualized debt funding on fixing potholes and road degradation.
Arden Road Bridge and Loop 335 Signal Projects
Amarillo's City Council is dropping nearly $7 million on road repairs. While it means some temporary traffic headaches, expect smoother streets down the line.
Property Tax Increase
Get ready, Amarillo! Your property taxes are likely going up. The City Council just gave the initial approval for a tax increase, so start budgeting for it.