Taylor OKs $165 million budget

The Taylor City Council has approved a $165 million annual budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27, which maintains the previous year's tax rate. Chief Financial Officer Robert Powers noted that a 5% decrease in average home values in Taylor effectively translates to an $88 reduction in the average homeowner's tax bill. The budget reduces municipal spending by approximately $6 million and includes a 2% cost-of-living increase for employees and funding for new firefighter positions.

During the same council session, a proposed data center and gas power plant, known as "Project Mustang," was discussed in a closed executive session with the city attorney. This discussion followed the withdrawal of a public hearing request by developers Big Watt Digital and PH Digital Data Center Development, who rescinded their application for annexation and employment center zoning for the 665-acre site located in the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction.

Despite the lack of a public hearing, the "Halt Taylor Data Center Coalition" rallied outside City Hall to advocate for stronger city ordinances governing data centers. Chris Jimenez, a Williamson County resident and Democratic candidate for Texas House District 52, supported the opponents, citing data centers as a threat to Texas' resources. Kamil Cook from Public Citizen also addressed rally-goers, emphasizing the importance of community action.

These local developments coincide with Texas Governor Greg Abbott's declared statewide moratorium on data centers, pending energy audits by state regulatory agencies, and his opposition to local tax incentives for such facilities. Reports indicate that up to four data centers are currently in planning stages for the Taylor area.