Denton City Council members unanimously passed the fiscal year 2026-27 budget and the property tax rate at its Sept. 22 meeting.

Council members also directed staff during budget workshops leading up to the meeting to suspend a proposed 3% electric rate increase with Denton Municipal Electric until the beginning of next year.

The details: The $2.22 billion budget shows a balanced budget for fiscal year 2026-27. The budget is structured across five major pillars that support day-to-day operations, or the general fund, self-sustaining public utilities, internal city operations, restricted-use accounts and long-term capital investments, according to a presentation from Chief Strategic Officer Aimee Kaslik.

Zooming in: The city also unanimously passed the new property tax rate of $0.548485 per $100 of valuation at the Sept. 22 meeting, a decrease from FY 2025-26’s property tax rate of $0.595420 per $100 valuation. Kaslik said the last time the property tax rate was that low in Denton was 2004.

Looking ahead: In the original budget presentation from Aug. 8, officials stated there would be a 3% increase in electric rates with DME. That has been suspended until Jan. 1 pending an Oct. 27 work session to review energy fund balances, pricing and utility rates.

Bewitched, Denton's only metaphysical shop, is more than a place for Wiccan and other neo-pagan practitioners to restock their herbs and crystals. It is a communal space for anyone curious about the vast spectrum of spiritual practice to learn and connect with others.

The details: Kasey and Fara Francis-Eusea own and run the store after opening in 2021 and quickly needing to move into their current, larger retail space at 529 Bryan St. in Denton. While their initial focus was selling crystals, the product line has since blossomed to include a sizeable library, herbs, tarot and oracle cards, hand-packed tea blends, candles, incense, jewelry, local artwork and more.

The shop's inventory is constantly evolving and expanding with input from customers, they said. Bewitched also holds regular classes and workshops covering all manner of subjects from cartomancy to mediumship and beyond.

Looking ahead: Bewitched's next adventure, The Altar, is set to open Oct. 1, barring city permitting issues and scheduling conflicts with contractors. Fara Francis-Eusea and store manager Cassandra Spring-Ford describe The Altar as a community-oriented space focused on healing and connection.

A new grocery store is planned for the North City development.

The details: Trader Joe’s filed for a permit for a store in north Fort Worth with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Sept. 11. The estimated cost of the work is $900,000.

Nakia Rohde, the public relations manager for Trader Joe's, confirmed there are plans for a new store coming to north Fort Worth but was unable to confirm a timeline for the opening.

The grocer is known for its unique self-branded products. Trader Joe's also sells fresh produce, snacks, meat, seafood, frozen items, baked goods, beer, wine and flowers.

The filing with TDLR happened almost a month after the city of Fort Worth approved an alcohol distance review Aug. 18. 

• 9052 North City Dr., Fort Worth