BEAUMONT, Texas — The Beaumont City Council has unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, keeping the city’s property tax rate steady for the fifth consecutive year and freezing water rates for seniors and all residential customers.

The $41.7 million General Fund balance includes a reserve of 25.7%, more than $9.2 million above the required level.

Key elements of the budget focus on public safety and infrastructure. Firefighters will receive an 11% pay increase, while police officers will see a 4% raise and non-civil service staff will receive a 3% raise.

The plan also sets aside $4.4 million for capital purchases, including new police vehicles, a fire truck, public works equipment and technology upgrades.

City officials said the budget prioritizes maintaining financial stabili

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