 The City of Waco's proposed 2025-2026 budget is now available for review. The budget totals $649.8 million, which is a modest 0.1% increase over the previous year. It maintains the current tax rate of 75.50 cents per $100 in valuation. This tax rate is based on the taxable value of existing and new properties provided to the City by the McLennan Central Appraisal District (McCAD).
The average homeowner and utility customer can expect to see an $11.18 increase to their monthly payment for City services due to inflation and to fund enhanced services.
The public is welcome to attend upcoming City Council meetings on August 19 for a follow up presentation and on September 2 for the final budget approval.
 Thank you to everyone who attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Fire Station #4 at 801 La Salle Ave. The new 8,600-square-foot, $5.99 million facility will replace the current Fire Station #4, which has served the community near Baylor University since 1966.
Upon its anticipated completion in the spring of 2027, the modern Fire Station #4 will feature three apparatus bays, individual sleeping quarters, and accommodations for up to eight fire personnel per shift. The building's exterior will feature a Spanish-style design to complement the architectural aesthetics of the La Salle corridor.
 A new face has joined the giraffe herd at Cameron Park Zoo. On July 25, proud parents Ellie and Dane welcomed Bodhi to the world. He was born at 112 pounds and is already adapting well to his life at the Zoo. Bodhi is now out on display with the rest of the herd! Come on down to Cameron Park Zoo to meet him.
Bodhi and his parents are Masai giraffes, a species currently listed as endangered. Their population has declined by nearly 50% over the last 30 years. Welcoming a new baby giraffe is a meaningful step toward giraffe conservation.
 When lights are flashing and sirens are blaring, remember to pull to the right and safely stop to let emergency vehicles pass. Lives depend on every second, and you can be the hero who helps save them.
 August is National Clear the Shelter Month, and we need your help! Clear The Shelters is a nationwide adoption and donation campaign sponsored by NBC Universal. Visit Pet Circle Regional Animal Center in August for 50% off adoptions — that's $12. Help us give these loving animals a forever home!
 The Victim Services unit relies heavily on its volunteers. Victim Services volunteers go out into the community when a crisis hits, comforting those who have fallen victim or are experiencing distress and may need assistance. You'll not only be helping those in Waco but the entire county.
To become a Victim Services Volunteer, register for the upcoming academy that runs from September 15 to 25 and will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Waco Police Department.
 Waco Mammoth National Monument is a 2025/26 Locals Love Us Waco Award Winner in the category of Tourist Attractions. Huge congratulations to the entire team at Waco Mammoth National Monument for preserving the past and inspiring the present!
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular explorer, it’s easy to see why this national site stands out as a must-see destination. Plan your next visit and experience it for yourself!
 Team Waco made its mark at the annual Games of Texas State Championship Meet bringing home a total of seven medals: two gold, three silver, and two bronze.
This season, 314 youth participated in the Team Waco Summer Track and Field Program. Of those, 95 athletes competed alongside youth from across Texas at the highest level. Congratulations to all the athletes and coaches! Your hard work and dedication this season truly paid off.
- Gold Medal: Presley Sawchak (10U High Jump)
- Gold Medal: Ethan Jones (10UB Shot Put)
- Silver Medal: Kionta Guess (8U 50m Dash)
- Silver Medal: Amare Hill, Jeremiah Scott, Tyler Caballero & Aiden Washington (14U Boys 4x100 Meter Relay)
- Silver Medal: Fabiola Pierto (18U 800M Run )
- Bronze Medal: Terrany Adkism, Destiny Cardoza, Jer'Riya Goolsby & Ta'Riyah Wells-Gonzales (14U Girls 4x100 Meter Relay)
- Bronze Medal: Rogelio Enriquez (16U Shot Put)
 City of Waco offices will be closed for Labor Day on Monday, September 1. Residents with a Monday trash collection day will have their gray waste carts and blue recycling carts collected later on Wednesday, September 3.
 Stay on top of your waste and recycling with the free City of Waco Curbside Services app! This easy-to-use app provides personalized reminders based on your address, so that you always know which bins need to be at your curb.
The app also features a "Waste Wizard" to help you figure out what goes where. Need to schedule a bulky waste pickup? The app can help you with that year-round! Download the app today from the App Store or Google Play to simplify your trash pickups.
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