The North Texas Municipal Water District’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget is increasing about 8% from the previous year, according to a news release.

The full story: NTMWD’s board of directors approved the $978 million budget during a Sept. 24 meeting. The budget allocates funding for the organization’s regional water and wastewater systems that stretch throughout North Texas.

The context: NTMWD provides wholesale water, wastewater and solid waste management services for multiple cities including Allen, Frisco, McKinney, Plano and Richardson, according to its website. The organization funds its budget through wholesale rate charges to member cities and customer cities, according to the news release.

Breaking down the budget: The FY2026-27 budget projects $978.4 million in expenditures and nearly $977.7 million in revenues, according to the budget document. Expenditures are increasing from last year’s original budget , which projected $902.4 million in expenses.

Capital investments related to increasing capacity and maintaining infrastructure are “main drivers of the rising costs,” the news release states.

Allen residents and visitors can enjoy a free event at the city’s new park this weekend.

The details: Bravo Park at Sloan Corners in Allen is hosting a grand opening and Harvest Jubilee event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, according to a city social media post.

The event will include live music, food trucks, local vendors, a farmers market, a pumpkin patch, lawn games, a yoga session and more.

The context: The park’s grand opening was originally scheduled for June 20 but was rescheduled due to inclement weather.

• 785 Bravo Park Drive, Allen