Clear Lake Shores residents will get their chance to weigh in on a proposed $6 million city budget at a public hearing Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 6:30 p.m.

The hearing takes place during the regular City Council meeting at 931 Cedar in Clear Lake Shores. The proposed FY 2027 budget, prepared by Finance Director Cheryl Hunter, projects $3.8 million in revenues and $6.05 million in expenditures across all city funds for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1.

Expenditures outpace revenues because the city plans to spend down accumulated reserves on road and drainage projects, not because operating costs are rising, according to the budget message.

Roads and drainage drive spending

The Roads & Drainage Fund accounts for $2.5 million of the total spending plan, with $2.24 million earmarked for capital improvements. That's a 67% jump. The fund is expected to draw down from roughly $3.49 million to $1.4 million by Sept. 30, 2027.

The city's Narcissus Road repaving project is one example of ongoing infrastructure work in the small island community.

General Fund and police

General Fund revenues are budgeted at $2.87 million, with expenditures at $3.01 million. Sales tax alone accounts for $1.9 million of General Fund revenue.

The Police Department budget drops to $1.1 million from $1.2 million in the current year. The budget includes $30,000 for jail and dispatch services, reflecting a new contract with Galveston County.

The council first discussed the FY 2027 budget at a workshop July 28.

How to review the budget

Residents can view the full proposed budget at City Hall, 1006 S. Shore Dr., Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon. The document is also posted on the city's website.

Anyone needing disability accommodations to present comments must contact the City Secretary at 281-334-2799 at least 48 hours before the hearing.

The council will consider adopting the budget after the Sept. 15 hearing.