Overview

• City Council approved Whitmire’s $7 billion FY2026 budget in a near-unanimous vote, with three members opposing due to concerns over long-term spending.
• The budget taps roughly $107 million from the city’s savings to close a $330 million deficit, bypassing new taxes or fees.
• The plan increases police funding by $67.2 million, fire funding by $22.8 million and directs $50 million more toward drainage through a four-year settlement payment schedule.
• An efficiency study and cost-cutting measures underpinned the budget, though Controller Chris Hollins warned of a projected shortfall exceeding $100 million.
• Protesters organized by the Northeast Action Collective were removed by police after chanting in the council chambers and no charges were filed.