Richardson residents will be able to provide feedback to City Council on the proposed tax rate and budget for fiscal year 2026-27. The tax rate public hearing will be held on Sept. 14 and the budget public hearing on Sept. 21.

What you need to know: Richardson city staff proposed a $406 million budget for FY 2026-27 that will maintain the current property tax rate of $0.54218 per $100 of assessed valuation. This tax rate has been in place since fiscal year 2024-25.

The average homestead taxable value increased by 3.16%, so even though the tax rate is remaining the same, residents will see an average increase of $70 on their property tax bill. The budget also includes a new rate plan for water and wastewater charges, which will increase customers’ monthly volume rate and base charge.

What’s next: City Manager Don Magner is set to file the final budget on Aug. 14. Following the public hearings, council will vote on the tax rate and budget on Sept. 21.

The Richardson Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors appointed Anthony Moline as the organization’s new president and CEO, according to a news release from the chamber. Moline will step into the position Sept. 1.

The gist: Moline has led Cedar Park’s Chamber of Commerce for 14 years, the release states, where he tripled the group’s revenue, grew membership and achieved five-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Former president and CEO Julie Snyder stepped down from her position at the end of May. Kim Quirk has served as the chamber’s interim president since Snyder’s resignation.

Quote of note: “I am so thrilled to join the Richardson Chamber and get back home to North Texas,” Moline said in the release. “I have such a respect for the organization and the city and what all has been
accomplished in recent years. It will be an honor to be part of the continued success.”

The North Texas Irish Festival will move to Denton from Dallas in 2027, according to a news release from the organization.

The details: The festival will be held at the North Texas Fairgrounds, the location of the North Texas Fair & Rodeo, from March 13-14, according to the release. 

The festival celebrates Irish and Celtic music, dance and culture and includes events and entertainment such as live music, dance shows, storytelling, food, education and art exhibits.

The 2027 event will have multiple stages for live music, Irish step dancing performances, cultural demonstrations, historic storytelling, vendor and shopping opportunities, activities for children and authentic food and beverages, the release states.

The backstory: The North Texas Irish Festival started in 1983 and has been located in Fair Park in Dallas since 1984, according to the organization’s website. It is produced by the Southwest Celtic Music Association, a Dallas-based nonprofit.