On September 16, the Fort Worth City Council approved a budget for FY 2026 that includes a modest decrease in the property tax rate \u2014 from 67.25\u202f\u00a2 to 67.00\u202f\u00a2 per $100 of assessed value \u2014 the lowest rate the city has seen in more than three decades. The average homeowner is expected to see a tax bill reduction of approximately $20. While some city service fees for utilities, like solid waste, will increase, the net impact is estimated at just $36.55 per year (about $3 per month).<\/p>\n
While $3 per month may not sound like much, at a time when everything seems to cost more and property taxes rarely see relief, it is a win for all. For many families, those savings add up over the years, and it shows Fort Worth leadership is listening to its homeowners.<\/p>\n
Sustaining Services While Addressing Affordability<\/strong><\/p>\n Critics may argue that cutting taxes could jeopardize vital services or infrastructure. But the City Council and staff have worked diligently to ensure that is not the case. The adopted budget continues to allocate appropriate resources to priorities like public safety, street maintenance, parks and the Neighborhood Improvement Program. The city has allocated a significant portion of its budget to public safety initiatives, including the police and fire departments, and it has marked more than $112 million for transportation and public works.<\/p>\n ENJOY READING THE NEWS AGAIN<\/strong><\/p>\n Discover refreshing, nonpartisan<\/strong> reporting on stories happening in your backyard.<\/p>\n The Greater Fort Worth Association of REALTORS\u00ae (GFWAR) has long advocated for property tax relief, and the council\u2019s willingness to reduce the tax rate signals its commitment to fiscal discipline and smart growth. As Fort Worth continues to grow exponentially, increasing property values naturally expand the tax base. By periodically adjusting the rate, the council ensures that growth benefits homeowners rather than penalizing them. They have lowered rates five times in the past six years, resulting in a total reduction of 12.25\u00a2.<\/p>\n Why the REALTORS\u00ae Community Supports This Move<\/strong><\/p>\n As the principal advocate for property owners and homebuyers in the Fort Worth region, GFWAR views this tax-rate cut as closely aligning with our mission to make homeownership more attainable, sustainable and rewarding.<\/p>\n Affordability matters. Both existing homeowners and prospective buyers frequently cite rising property taxes as a deterrent to moving, investing or even staying in a community. A lower tax rate improves monthly cash flow, providing families with more breathing room for other essential expenses.<\/p>\n Market confidence. A predictable, homeowner-friendly tax environment helps stabilize the market. It strengthens trust among buyers, sellers, lenders and appraisers that Fort Worth will not burden its residents with runaway tax growth.<\/p>\n Equity in growth. In fast-growing cities, property values often increase more rapidly in certain neighborhoods. Rate reductions help prevent tax burdens from disproportionately affecting long-time owners in areas with rising property values. This underscores that revenue growth should derive first from value growth, not tax hikes.<\/p>\n Long-term vision. REALTORS\u00ae recognize that sustainable growth depends on infrastructure, mobility, safety and livability. The council\u2019s decision to preserve funding for essential services while trimming taxes shows they are not choosing between services and affordability but managing both.<\/p>\n Looking Ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n While we applaud this step, it is not the end of our advocacy. This is only a part of an ongoing conversation about private property rights.<\/p>\n To the Mayor, council members and staff, GFWAR offers our heartfelt congratulations and support. This decision uplifts individual property owners today and contributes to a foundation of confidence and opportunity for Fort Worth\u2019s future.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udc4b What is local news worth to you?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n Important decisions are made in our community every day. Your support ensures the Fort Worth Report can cover and share those stories \u2014 freely and independently.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative<\/a> for adhering to standards for ethical journalism.<\/p>\n Republish This Story<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/GFWAR_City-Council_10.25.jpg\")
(Courtesy photo | Greater Fort Worth Association of REALTORS\u00ae)<\/p>\n
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