Council reviewed the FY2027 operating budget and split over whether to cover an approximately $90,000 shortfall from reserves or adopt a 0.3161 tax rate; council directed staff to proceed with the 31.61¢ rate while keeping the budget as presented.

Council set the FY2027 budget hearing for Sept. 10, 2026, reviewed a proposed balanced budget illustration assuming a 31.61¢ maintenance & operations rate and 4% wage adjustments, and discussed $1.58M in capital priorities including generators for police/fire and a mill-and-overlay push to FY2027.

City staff presented multiple FY2027 operating-budget scenarios and tax-rate options, identifying potential deficits under different health-insurance and wage assumptions and asking council for direction; council scheduled follow-ups in August and targeted a final vote in September.

At a July 15 budget workshop, Helotes leaders reviewed a strong reserve position and debated using fund balance to fund targeted capital projects, employee pay increases and a modest property-tax cut amid uncertain sales-tax receipts; staff will run scenarios and return with updated health‑care and valuation numbers.

Helotes officials presented a proposed FY2027 framework that would cut the city property‑tax rate by up to 10%, provide a 5% across‑the‑board raise and a targeted police adjustment (about 7%), and draw on reserves to cover a near‑term shortfall while awaiting finalized valuations and salary‑survey data.