Page 27 - FY 2026-2027 Adopted Budget Book

Executive Overview

The Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Adopted Budget reflects the City of Bedford's continued commitment to
responsible financial stewardship, exceptional public service, and strategic investment in the community's
future. Developed through a collaborative process involving the City Council, executive leadership, department
directors, and employees throughout the organization, the budget aligns available resources with the City's
Strategic Plan while maintaining the long-term financial stability that residents have come to expect.

This budget balances current service needs with future investments by preserving core municipal services,
maintaining critical infrastructure, investing in employees and technology, and adhering to the City's long-
standing financial policies. Every budget decision reflects Bedford's commitment to transparency,
accountability, and responsible management of public resources.

Due to revenue constraints, this is largely a year of maintaining existing services. With the help of the budget
team, department directors have trimmed every part of their existing budget possible while still providing
similar service levels to our residents. Any increases in the budget not specifically mentioned in the overview
are driven by inflationary pressure or contractual obligations.

Budget at a Glance FY 2026-2027 Strategic
Investments

Category FY 2026–2027 Public Safety
Total Budget $110.5 million; 2% Change
Infrastructure Preservation
General Fund $54.5 million; 8% Change
Water & Sewer Fund $37.5 million; 7% Change Employee Recruitment & Retention
Capital Improvements $8.4 million; -43% Change Technology & Citizen Engagement
Property Tax Rate $0.566599; 8% Change
Neighborhood Integrity
General Fund Reserve 27.44%
Employees 361.68 FTE; -0.5% Change
Population 50,030; 0.2% Change
Assessed Valuation $6.46 Billion; -4.4% Change

Financial & Economic Outlook

Bedford is a mature community in the heart of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex with a strong economic
foundation, established neighborhoods, and a diverse commercial base. As the City approaches full
development, future financial success increasingly depends on redevelopment, reinvestment, infrastructure
preservation, and efficient delivery of municipal services rather than significant new residential growth.

The 2020 Census reflects a population of 49,928, with the 2026 estimated population of 50,030. The net
taxable assessed value of property within the City decreased this year to $6,459,548,882. This represents a
decrease of $298,612,359, or 4.4%, in taxable value compared to FY 2025-2026. Sales tax revenue is
expected to experience modest growth supported by continued commercial investment, including the Sprouts-
anchored redevelopment and H-E-B grocery store. Building permit activity, municipal court revenue, and
investment earnings are also expected to improve, helping offset continued declines in franchise fee revenues.

FY 2026-2027 Adopted Budget Book · September 15, 2026 23