Van · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Van public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
FY2026 budget adoption
Van locked in its budget for the year starting October 1, funding police, streets, parks, the library, fire and water services. Where the city's money goes for the next 12 months was decided here.
FY2026 property tax rate
The tax rate stays at 0.7358 per $100 valuation — no overall increase — but 3 cents shifted from debt payments to services. The state-mandated 'tax increase' language reads scarier than the reality, and council members wanted that on the record.
EDC FY2026-2027 budget and grants
Sales tax is up 8.7% this fiscal year, McDonald's has opened, a subdivision on Highway 16 is pouring concrete, and new development talks along I-20 plus a possible assisted living facility could bring more revenue.
FY 2027 tax rate and budget
Keeping the rate at .7358 means the average homeowner pays about a dollar more a year, but the city collects roughly $9,000 less while costs keep rising — so the budget tightens, with a frozen position and equipment sale to balance it. A public hearing comes September 24.