Mansfield advances FY27 budget with $84M for utility construction and new water staff

Mansfield advances FY27 budget with $84M for utility construction and new water staffThe Texas municipality’s latest budget ordinance earmarks substantial funding for water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, supported by the addition of six new full-time utility positions.

The FY 2026-2027 budget appropriates $84.2 million to the Utility Construction Fund for permanent improvements to the water and sewer system.

An additional $50.5 million is allocated from Water and Sewer revenues for operating expenses, transfers, and capital outlay.

The utility fund will add six new full-time equivalent positions, including a water resources inspector and a meter specialist.

The city's Drainage Construction Fund will receive $7.2 million for drainage system improvements, supported by a new project engineer.

The City of Mansfield, Texas, has moved forward with its fiscal year 2026-2027 budget, which includes major financial commitments to the city's water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. The City Council unanimously approved the first reading of the budget ordinance during its August 24 meeting, setting the stage for final adoption in September. According to the budget ordinance and presentations by Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Troy Lestina, the city has slated substantial capital for utility upgrades. The budget appropriates $84.2 million for the Utility Construction Fund, which is dedicated to permanent improvements to the city's water and sewer systems. Furthermore, $50.5 million is appropriated from Water and Sewer revenues to cover operating expenses, transfers, and additional capital outlay, alongside $7.3 million for the Water and Sewer Revenue Debt Fund. To support these operations and ongoing five-year capital plans, the utility fund budget includes the addition of six new full-time equivalent (FTE) positions. The new utility roles comprise a utility billing specialist, a meter specialist, two tradespersons, a GIS programmer or technician, and an inspector for water resources. Stormwater and drainage infrastructure also received dedicated funding in the FY27 budget. The ordinance appropriates $7.2 million for the Drainage Construction Fund to construct drainage improvements, alongside $3 million for the Drainage Fund to cover operating expenses and system enhancements. The Environmental Services and Drainage Infrastructure Fund will also add one new FTE for a project engineer. The budget approvals follow recent recognition for the city's utility management. During the meeting, it was noted that the Mansfield Public Works Department recently earned three awards at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Public Drinking Water Conference, including recognition for an Outstanding Public Drinking Water System, an Outstanding Cross-Connection Control Program, and an Innovative or Proactive Water System. The final reading and vote to adopt the FY 2026-2027 budget are scheduled for September 14.