The City of Lancaster is proposing a notable increase in property taxes as part of its budget for the fiscal year 2026-2027. According to city documents, the proposed budget will raise more total property taxes than last year's budget by $3,655,475, marking an 8.24% increase. This includes $831,682 in tax revenue from new properties added to the tax roll this year. The City Council plans to conduct a public hearing on August 31, 2026, at the Lancaster Municipal Center to discuss these changes.
The proposed tax rate stands at $0.590925 per $100 valuation, which is higher than the no-new-revenue tax rate of $0.550477, as reported by Mayor Clyde C. Hairston and other city officials. Despite exceeding the no-new-revenue rate, the proposed rate does not surpass the voter-approval tax rate, meaning no election is required for its adoption. However, residents are encouraged to express their views at the upcoming public hearing.
In cultural news, the Latino Cultural Center in Dallas is set to open two new exhibitions on August 29, 2026. As announced in a press release, the exhibitions "No Te Dejes" by David Hanes-González and "Charreria" by Brent Kollock will explore Mexican traditions through photography and mixed media. These exhibitions aim to delve into themes of identity, faith, and community.
Additionally, the City of Dallas is preparing for its annual Culture of Value Month, starting September 1, 2026. According to a special announcement, this month-long event will feature art exhibitions, performances, workshops, and talks across various city venues, fostering community engagement and cultural appreciation.
Meanwhile, the South Dallas Cultural Center will host the "Water + Light" exhibition by Arthur Fields from September 3 to October 15, 2026. This exhibition, as detailed in a press release, explores themes of depression and joy through photo-based artwork, offering a poignant commentary on the human experience.
Residents are encouraged to participate in these cultural events and engage with the city's efforts to promote arts and community involvement.