WHARTON — Wharton City Council will consider a proposed property tax rate lower than the city’s current rate when members meet Monday, Aug. 24.

The regular meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Wharton City Hall and includes consideration of the city’s proposed 2026-27 budget, property taxes, solid waste rates, emergency shelter agreements, highway construction and several ongoing city projects.

According to a taxpayer impact statement included with the agenda, the city is proposing a property tax rate of $0.40787 per $100 of taxable valuation.

The city’s current FY 2025-26 adopted rate is $0.42411.

For the city’s example median taxable homestead valued at $164,017, the estimated annual city property tax bill would be $668.98 under the proposed rate.

That compares with approximately $695.61 under the current rate — an estimated decrease of $26.63 per year.

The city’s no-new-revenue rate is listed at $0.41117, which would result in an estimated $674.39 annual tax bill for the same median-valued homestead.

The figures are estimates provided by the city and apply to the median-valued homestead example included in the taxpayer impact statement. An individual property owner’s tax bill will depend on the property’s taxable value and applicable exemptions.

2026-27 City Budget

Council is scheduled to receive the city manager’s proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2026, and ending Sept. 30, 2027.

Council will also consider setting a public hearing date on the proposed budget and adopting a proposed property tax rate as required by state law.

The actions Monday would be part of the city’s budget and tax-rate process and should not be confused with final adoption of the budget and tax rate.

GFL Solid Waste Rate Modification

Another item could affect city utility customers.

Council will consider a proposed rate modification involving Green for Life, or GFL, which provides solid waste collection and disposal services for the city.

The agenda calls for consideration of Amendment No. 6 to the city’s franchise agreement with GFL as well as an ordinance amending the city’s solid waste disposal provisions and rates.

Specific new customer rates are not stated on the meeting agenda.

Emergency Shelters

Council will consider three agreements establishing emergency shelter locations in Wharton.

One proposed agreement between the city and Wharton County Junior College would establish the Wharton Civic Center as an emergency shelter for college students and staff.

A separate agreement with Wharton Independent School District would establish the Civic Center as an emergency shelter for WISD students and staff.

Another agreement between the city and WISD would establish the Wharton Junior High School gymnasium as an emergency shelter for residents of the City of Wharton.

U.S. 59 Construction

Council will also consider formally responding to the Texas Department of Transportation’s Wharton Area Office regarding a temporary speed reduction during construction along U.S. 59 Segment 3.

According to the agenda, the proposed resolution would express the city’s support for reducing the speed limit during construction from FM 961 to the southern Wharton city limits.

The agenda does not specify the proposed reduced speed limit.

FM 1301 Extension Project

The council agenda also includes several items related to closing out the FM 1301 Extension Project.

Council will consider three change orders involving James Construction Group LLC. Change Orders No. 1 and No. 2 involve cost increases, while Change Order No. 3 calls for a cost reduction.

The agenda does not list the dollar amounts of the proposed changes.

Other Items

Council is also scheduled to consider funding requested by Patricia Blair of the Historical Commission for the fee associated with a historical marker to be placed at the Depot.

Other business includes a construction and detention allowance request from Steve Wisnieski; a setback modification requested on behalf of Resilience Homes for 326 Mayfair Circle; acceptance of Wharton Lakes Phase 2 infrastructure; and acceptance of a donation to the Mayor’s Committee on People with Disabilities.

Council will also consider ratifying plumbing repairs for the Wharton Emergency Medical Service Department and awarding the city’s bank depository services contract.

The agenda includes consideration of the Wharton Economic Development Corporation’s FY 2026-27 annual budget, the city’s July 2026 financial report, updates on city grant programs and ongoing projects, and appointments, resignations and vacancies on city boards, commissions and committees.

Department heads, including police, fire, EMS, public works, water and sewer, code enforcement, emergency management and other departments, are also scheduled to provide reports.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, at Wharton City Hall.

All items listed on the agenda are subject to discussion and council action during the meeting.