HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-052 DCAD 2026 Proposed Budget OutcomeDate: June 6, 2025 Report No. 2025-052
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Denton Central Appraisal District 2026 Proposed Budget Outcome
BACKGROUND:
On May 08, 2025, the Denton Central Appraisal District (DCAD) Board of Directors approved the
2026 Budget.
At the public hearing, the provided attachment shows the 2026 DCAD Proposed Budget of
$24,696,576.32, which is an increase of $874,934.69 from last year’s budget of $23,821,641.63.
During Executive Session, the 2026 Budget increased by $12,074.98, bringing the total to
$24,708,651.30.
If any entity wishes to disapprove the budget, they must do so within 30 days or by June 08, 2025.
STAFF CONTACT:
Vis Bouaphanthavong, Assistant Director of Finance
Vis.Bouaphanthavong@cityofdenton.com
REQUESTOR:
Staff initiated.
PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS:
Finance Department
STAFF TIME TO COMPLETE REPORT:
.5 hour
Agenda Item #7
2026 Budget Proposal
Public Hearing
1
2026 Budget Proposal
Denton Central
Appraisal District
3911 Morse St.
Denton, TX 76208
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Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................... 3
BUDGET COMPARISON (2025 BUDGET VS 2026 PROPOSED) ........................................................... 4
EXPENSES ............................................................................................................................................... 5
REVENUE ................................................................................................................................................ 8
STRATEGIC PLAN ................................................................................................................................. 12
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Executive Summary
The Denton Central Appraisal District’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 reflects
the district’s commitment to responsible stewardship, operational excellence, and
service to the taxpayers and taxing units of Denton County.
This budget has been prepared to meet the growing demands of the county’s
growing population and property base, while maintaining high standards of appraisal
accuracy, transparency, and customer service. Key operational areas, including
technology modernization and workforce development, receive strategic investment
in this year’s proposal.
Compared to the FY2025 adopted budget, the FY2026 proposed budget represents
a moderate increase in total expenditures. This increase is primarily attributed to one-
time costs associated with funding the mandatory Board of Directors election in 2026.
Absent this election-related expense, the FY2026 budget would remain essentially flat
year-over-year. Other contributing factors to the overall increase include strategic
investments in staff training and development, appraisal software and other
technology enhancements, and inflationary adjustments across some operating
expenses.
The FY2026 proposal ensures the district can fulfill its mission effectively while keeping
taxpayer value at the forefront of every dollar spent.
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Budget Comparison (2025 Budget vs 2026 Proposed)
FY2026 Budget Summary Statement
The proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget for the Denton Central Appraisal District totals
$24,696,576.32, reflecting the resources necessary to support the district’s growing
operational and statutory responsibilities.
To help mitigate the impact on participating taxing entities, the district will apply
$1,708,031.02 in reserve funds to buy down a portion of the total budget. This
approach helps maintain stable funding contributions from member entities while
preserving essential services and long-term sustainability.
As a result, the net amount to be funded by taxing entities for FY2026 is
$22,828,545.30, representing a 3.50% increase over the FY2025 adopted funding.
This budget represents just 0.7% of all property tax revenue generated in Denton
County, underscoring the district’s cost-effective role in supporting the collection and
distribution of billions in local tax revenue.
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Expenses
5100 – Personnel Services
Total: $16,818,502.40 +4.52%
This category includes all employee-related expenses such as salaries, longevity pay,
retirement contributions, health insurance, Social Security, and workers’ compensation. It
reflects the district’s ongoing investment in recruiting, retaining, and developing a skilled
and credentialed workforce.
5200 – Education & Training
Total: $295,530.00 +13.17%
Supports ongoing professional development through training programs, certifications,
seminars, and continuing education required for staff to maintain appraisal licenses and
technical expertise.
5300 – Services Received
Total: $4,442,046.76 +10.72%
Covers contracted services including legal, IT support, third-party appraisal tools, printing
and mailing, and outside consulting. These services ensure efficient operations and
compliance with statutory responsibilities.
5400 – Utilities & Maintenance
Total: $2,233,038.00 (12.89%)
Includes expenses for electricity, water, building repairs, HVAC maintenance, janitorial
services, and other facilities upkeep to maintain a professional and accessible office
environment.
5500 – Capital Outlay
Total: $325,850.00 (2.69%)
Funds the purchase of long-term assets such as computer systems, software, furniture, and
equipment needed to support modernization and workplace productivity.
5600 – Miscellaneous
Total: $469,458.00 +3.16%
Captures all other necessary operational expenses not included in other categories,
including insurance, dues, subscriptions, bank fees, and administrative supplies.
5900 – Debt Service
Total: $112,151.16 +8.38%
Primarily equipment payments.
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2026 DENTON CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT
BUDGET
5100 Personnel Services - $16,818,502.40
5200 Education & Training - $295,530.00
5300 Services Received - $4,442,046.76
5400 Utilities & Maintenance - $2,233,038.00
5500 Capital Outlay - $325,850.00
5600 Miscellaneous - $469,458.00
5900 Debt Service - $112,151.16
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Revenue
DENTON CAD 2026 ESTIMATED BUDGET ALLOCATIONS
Based on 2024 Certified Levy, using $1,708,031.02 from Reserves
The 2026 proposed budget allocations are estimated amounts. 2024 Certified levies are used
for calculation purposes. Please be aware that allocations will change for each entity based
on the increases/decreases to their 2025 actual levies upon certification.
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Funding Allocation Methodology
Funding for the Denton Central Appraisal District is allocated among participating taxing
entities based on each entity’s proportionate share of the total property tax levy as
prescribed by the Texas Property Tax Code Section 6.06(d)
This method ensures that the cost of operating the district is distributed equitably in
accordance with the relative size and value of each entity’s tax base. The formula is applied
uniformly each year and is adjusted as each jurisdiction’s share of the countywide levy
changes.
The allocation included in this budget packet is an estimate based on the most recently
available tax levy data from the previous year. Final allocations may be subject to revision
once certified levy figures for the current year are available.
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Strategic Plan
The Denton Central Appraisal District’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan is designed to guide
operations, resource allocation, and service delivery over the next five years. It aligns closely
with the district’s mission to provide accurate, fair, and transparent property valuations while
supporting the needs of Denton County’s growing population.
This Executive Summary outlines five strategic goals that define the district’s priorities through
2030:
- Operational Excellence: Maintain appraisal accuracy and efficiency through
streamlined internal practices.
- Technology Modernization: Invest in digital tools, GIS systems, and cloud-based
platforms to enhance service and security.
- Workforce Growth & Development: Recruit, train, and retain a professional, certified
appraisal staff with leadership succession planning.
- Public Engagement & Transparency: Expand taxpayer outreach and improve public
access to appraisal information.
- Financial Stewardship: Align spending with strategic priorities while maintaining
transparency and long-term sustainability.
- Facility Planning: The district will pursue facility planning efforts, including land
acquisition and construction initiatives, subject to the approval of taxing entities, to
ensure future needs are met responsibly and sustainably.
Each of these strategic goals is supported by measurable initiatives that will be tracked and
reviewed regularly to ensure performance and alignment with the district’s mission.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Denton Central Appraisal District is to provide fair, accurate, and
equitable property valuations in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas,
while delivering exceptional service, fostering public trust, and supporting the local
taxing jurisdictions we serve.
Vision Statement
To be recognized as a leader among Texas appraisal districts in integrity, innovation,
transparency, and service excellence.
Core Values
• Integrity
• Accountability
• Fairness
• Innovation
• Service
• Stewardship
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Strategic Goals and Key Initiatives
1. Operational Excellence
• Conduct annual performance audits.
• Streamline business processes and reduce redundancies.
• Expand use of standardized best practices.
2. Technology Modernization
• Co-develop enhancements to appraisal software and database systems.
• Expand GIS capabilities for mapping and analysis.
• Explore partnership opportunities with third-party vendors to expand online
offerings.
3. Workforce Development
• Increase training budgets and certification programs.
• Additional staffing is necessary in under-resourced, key departments.
• Launch formal leadership and succession planning.
• Maintain competitive compensation to attract talent.
4. Public Engagement and Transparency
• Publish clear taxpayer guides and how-to videos.
• Conduct public outreach sessions in key areas.
• Launch transparency dashboard on istrict website.
5. Financial Stewardship
• Implement multi-year financial forecasting.
• Monitor and report operational efficiency KPIs.
• Align budget requests with strategic goals.
6. Facility Planning
Current Facilities Overview
The Denton Central Appraisal District currently operates within approximately
37,500 square feet of office space. This facility supports appraisal operations,
customer service, administrative functions, training, and public services.
Strategic Need for Expansion
Based on continued rapid population growth and property development trends in
Denton County, as confirmed by current demographic studies, the district
anticipates significant increases in staffing, technology infrastructure, and public
service demand over the next five years. The current facility is currently inadequate
to support operational needs, staff expansion, and service delivery expectations
by the end of this strategic planning cycle.
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Planning Objectives
• Conduct a comprehensive facility needs assessment based on
projected staffing and operational demands through 2035.
• Identify land acquisition options suitable for a new administrative facility.
• Develop preliminary construction plans including cost estimates and
space utilization studies.
• Engage with taxing entities for necessary approvals regarding land
purchase and new construction.
• Ensure any new facility maximizes taxpayer value through efficient
design and sustainable practices.
Timeline Goals (Tentative)
o 2026: Facility needs study and preliminary site evaluation
o 2027: Land acquisition planning and formal proposal submission
o 2028: Begin design and pre-construction planning
o 2029: Secure approvals, initiate construction
o 2030: Transition to expanded facilities (if authorized and funded)
Commitment to Fiscal Responsibility
The district will maintain a commitment to fiscal stewardship, transparency, and
collaboration with taxing entities to ensure the best long-term outcomes for Denton
County taxpayers throughout the planning and construction process.
Strategic Timeline (2026–2030)
• 2026: Launch appraisal system upgrades and staff development initiatives.
• 2027: Complete software and other GIS integration and digital document
management.
• 2028: Conduct operational and public feedback review & Begin Facility
Planning sessions.
• 2029: Implement succession planning milestones.
• 2030: Review and renew the 5-year Strategic Plan.
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