The Woodlands Township Board of Directors passed the fiscal year 2026 budget at a special meeting, keeping the combined tax rate at $0.1714 per $100 of taxable value for the second year in a row. The budget projects $175.1 million in revenue and $180.4 million in total spending.

Board member Shelley Sekula-Gibbs was the only no vote. The biggest line items include $36 million for the fire department, up six percent from last year, and $13 million for capital projects covering parks, recreation facilities, and fire stations.

Some of the more specific budget items: about $400,000 to replace elevators along the Waterway, and $233,750 for the Red, Hot & Blue Independence Day celebration. Most of that July 4th money is going toward a drone show instead of traditional fireworks.

Township officials said they were able to hold the rate flat because rising property values across The Woodlands brought in more revenue without needing a rate hike. Board members made that same point during budget workshops over the summer.