Texas Cities Struggle with Budget Crises | Odessa News

Odessa News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 17, 2026 · 1m

Texas cities are drowning in budget crises, with Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin staring down multi-million dollar deficits. To cope, they’re cutting library hours, laying off hundreds, and even proposing higher fees for non-residents at city attractions. With the state legislature refusing bailouts and tightening tax rules, local governments are forced to make painful choices—like hiking property taxes or contracting out services. Experts say denser housing could help expand tax bases, but face stiff resistance from homeowners. As inflation and a sluggish economy squeeze sales tax…