Dallas council weighs hours for libraries, rec centers before $5.6B budget vote

The 2027 budget, which starts Oct. 1, provides $80.2 million more in funding for Dallas Police and Dallas Fire-Rescue.

Five weeks after revealing a $5.66 billion budget, Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert said Wednesday it represents the city’s continued commitment to increase funding for police and fire while adding to the total number of miles set for street repairs.

“We have streamlined operations, improved accountability and better aligned our priorities to ensure that we’re meeting the demands of what our residents expect,” Tolbert said.

The budget includes a property tax rate reduction of 0.10 cents (69.88 cents to 69.78 cents) per $100 valuation, marking an 11th consecutive year for a rate reduction.

Dallas City Council members spent most of Wednesday offering various amendments to the budget that would bring money to restore positions cut in the budget in the Dallas Public Library and the Office of Arts and Culture, along with restored hours for libraries and recreation centers.

Denise McGovern, executive director of Friends of the Dallas Public Library told council members during public comment the city's library system can become a national model if funding is consistent each year.

"As you consider this final push for the budget, look to the future too," McGovern said. "Please restore the funding to the library in a recurring way that provides stability, clarity and time.”

Late in the afternoon, councilmember Adam Bazaldua was successful in restoring $465,000 in funding for Dallas Park and Recreation to allow rec centers to return to operating hours used in 2024.Eight council members joined in support, which would add an average of five operating hours per week at rec centers across the city.

This is a developing story and will be updated.