Week in Review, Sept. 25, 2026

Sept. 25, 2026

This is the latest edition of Week In Review - a series of weekly messages from the Mayor and City Council to help Richardson residents and businesses keep up to date on municipal events. If you would like to sign up to receive this in a weekly e-mail click here.

Throughout the year, the City Council or City Plan Commission will hold meetings on topics of significant interest to local neighborhoods or the community in general. Links to view all City Council or City Plan Commission meeting documents that may have topics of interest to you can be found here:

City Council | City Plan Commission

Council Selects Lone Finalist for City Council Place 3 Vacancy
The Richardson City Council selected Daniel Evan Burdette as the lone finalist to fill the Place 3 seat following interviews with three finalists Monday, Sept. 21. The Council is scheduled to formally consider Burdette's appointment Monday, Sept. 28, with the oath of office to be administered following the vote.

The vacancy follows Council Member Dan Barrios' July 13 announcement that he would resign from the City Council to pursue another elected office. Barrios' last night with the Richardson City Council was Monday night, and, once sworn in, Burdette will serve the remainder of the unexpired Place 3 term.

Under the Richardson City Charter, a single Council vacancy other than the office of mayor is filled by appointment through a majority vote of the remaining members of the City Council.

Learn more about the City Council Place 3 appointment process

Council Recognizes RISD Superintendent for Years of Service
Richardson ISD Superintendent Tabitha Branum was recognized at Monday's City Council meeting with a proclamation honoring more than 29 years of service to Texas public education and her leadership in the Richardson community.

Branum became RISD's 20th superintendent in 2022 and has dedicated her career to student success, educational innovation, and instructional excellence. In 2026, she was named Texas PTA Superintendent of the Year and Texas Educational Support Staff Association Administrator of the Year.

The proclamation honored Branum's vision, leadership and commitment to Richardson students, families and schools.

2026-27 Budget and Tax Rate Adopted
On Monday, the Richardson City Council approved the 2026-27 fiscal year budget, wrapping up a process that began earlier in the summer and included briefings from city departments, a two-day budget workshop and two public hearings.

The $432,226,829 budget continues a multi-year strategy designed to protect essential services, strengthen the City workforce, and continue investments in public safety, infrastructure and economic development.

The budget maintains the current property tax rate of $0.54218 per $100 of assessed valuation and continues the $160,000 senior property tax exemption. It also includes employee compensation adjustments, added public safety investments, a new water and wastewater rate structure, and continued implementation of voter-approved bond projects.

Property Tax-City Portion	$2,229	$2,299	$70
Water Charges	$1,171	$1,231	$60
Sewer Charges	$616	$691	$75
Drainage Fee	$74	$86	$12
Residential Solid Waste	$332	$344	$12

Although the property tax rate remains unchanged, the average taxable value of a Richardson homestead increased from $411,065 to $424,062. As a result, the City portion of the property tax bill for the typical homeowner is projected to increase by approximately $70 annually.

Learn more about the 2026-27 Budget

Changes to Water, Wastewater Rates Incl uded in Budget
New water and wastewater rates take effect Oct. 1 as part of the City's 2026-27 budget. The changes are designed to address rising wholesale water costs from the North Texas Municipal Water District, higher operating expenses and the ongoing need to maintain and improve aging utility infrastructure. Customers will first see the new rates on their November utility bills.

Under the new rate structure, monthly base charges are tied to meter size. Most Richardson residential customers have a 3/4-inch-meter. For those customers, the monthly base charge increases from $8 to $9.60 for water and wastewater services. Under the City's new five-year rate plan, that base charge will gradually increase to $20 by 2030. Volume rates, which are based on actual usage, are also increasing.

Senior customers, over the age of 65, with 3/4-inch or 1-inch meters will continue to pay the current $8 monthly base charge for both water and wastewater service. Their volume rates will adjust consistently with other residential rates.

The City is also changing how it calculates residential wastewater usage to better reflect the amount each household contributes to the sanitary sewer system. Previously, the number was based on average water use from November through February looking back at the last three years. Beginning Nov. 1, the calculation will only use the previous year's November through February water usage and will exclude the month with the highest usage. Residents should see the first impact of the new calculation on their November bill.

Find more information about water and wastewater rates

For account-specific questions, contact Utility Customer Service at 972-744-4120 or [email protected].

Sherrill Park Golf Course Rate Updates
Rates will increase Oct. 1 at the Sherrill Park Golf Course as part of the City's 2026-27 budget. Green fees were last increased in 2024. Richardson residents will continue to receive a 25 percent discount off the listed prices for rounds played at both Course 1 and Course 2. Additionally, seniors and juniors will continue to receive a 35 percent discount on weekday rounds.

The new green fees are:

Course 1

Standard

• Monday-Friday: $38 (walking), $57 (with cart)
• Saturday-Sunday: $52 (walking), $71 (with cart)

Twilight

• Monday-Friday: $27 (walking), $46 (with cart)
• Saturday-Sunday: $37 (walking), $56 (with cart)

Course 2

Standard

• Monday-Friday: $32 (walking), $51 (with cart)
• Saturday-Sunday: $40 (walking), $59 (with cart)

Twilight

• Monday-Friday: $24 (walking), $43 (with cart)
• Saturday-Sunday: $28 (walking), $47 (with cart)

Driving Range

• Small Bucket $6
• Medium Bucket $10
• Large Bucket $12

The above prices all include sales tax.

Visit the Sherrill Park Golf Course website

Groundbreaking Held for Titleist Fitting Center at Sherrill Park Golf Course
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Saturday, Sept. 19 at Sherrill Park Golf Course to celebrate the beginning of a construction project that includes a new golf training center and the renovation and expansion of the existing Sherrill Park maintenance barn and surrounding facilities. The 2,650-square-foot golf training center will host a Titleist Fitting Center, as well as two evaluation/hitting bays and a small conference room. It is expected to open to the public in spring 2027.

The fitting center will allow a Titleist Fitting Professional to work one-on-one with golfers, utilizing a TrackMan launch monitor and a broad equipment matrix to ensure their golf clubs have been fully optimized for their unique swing characteristics. The new Golf Training Center is being added to attract top instructors and their students, conduct lessons in all weather conditions and elevate the overall Sherrill Park experience.

The fitting center is the first one located at a municipal golf course in North Texas.

Visit the Sherrill Park Golf Course website

Construction Methods Minimize Impacts During Underground Utility Rehabilitation Work
Rehabilitation work is underway on sanitary sewer lines near the Promenade Shopping Center off Coit Road and in the Berkner Park neighborhood. Thanks to the construction methods being used, residents should experience only minor road closures and fewer construction vehicles and traffic.

Construction methods will utilize trenchless repair techniques, including:

Although not all projects can utilize these construction methods, wherever applicable, the City of Richardson is committed to using less impactful construction methods while maintaining high-quality infrastructure.

Find more information on infrastructure projects in Richardson

Deadline for Returning Interlibrary Loan Items is Next Friday
The deadline to return items that have been checked out through an Interlibrary Loan is next Friday, Oct. 2. The loaned items need to be returned so they can be sent back to their home library before the Richardson Library closes on Sunday, Oct. 11 to move to its newly renovated facility at 421 W. Arapaho Rd.

Important upcoming dates include:

• Oct. 2: Items checked out through Interlibrary Loan must be returned.
• Oct. 5: Last day to submit a 3D Print Job or place a hold on an item.
• Oct. 11: Final day to check out materials
• Oct. 11: Last day to pick up items on hold.
• Oct. 11: at 6 p.m.: The Library and book drop will close.

Due dates for materials checked out before the closure will be extended until the Library reopens. The book drop will not be available during the move.

Most in-person programs and services including holds pickup, donations and 3D printing will be paused. Monthly book clubs and the Halloween Spookilicious program will continue as scheduled at City Hall.

Digital resources, including e-books, audiobooks, reference databases and language-learning tools, will remain available through the myRPL Digital Library. Library customers are encouraged to make sure their cards are current before the closure.

Library staff will remain available by phone during normal operating hours and by e-mail at [email protected].

Learn more about the Library renovations

Eisemann Center, Cottonwood Art Festival Recognized in Dallas Observer's Reader's Choice Awards
The Eisemann Center and Cottonwood Art Festival have been chosen as winners in the Dallas Observer's 2026 Best of Dallas Readers' Choice Awards. The Eisemann Center won for Best Theatre, while Cottonwood won for Best Art Festival.

The publication creates a large ballot covering hundreds of categories where readers vote for their favorite people, businesses, restaurants, venues, services and organizations across North Texas that include Arts & Entertainment, Food & Drink, Shopping & Services and Sports & Recreation.

See the Complete List of Winners

Culture in The CORE Vendor Application Deadline is Tonight
The deadline to fill out a vendor application for the upcoming Culture in The CORE Food and Music Festival is tonight, Sept. 25, at 11:59 p.m. Culture in The CORE is scheduled for noon-4 p.m. on Nov. 7 in Downtown Richardson.

Culture in The CORE brings together Richardson's diverse communities to have fun, to learn and to experience the music, dance, foods and arts of different cultures. The event features vendors selling treasures from around the globe, a world-spanning assortment of food and drink, and a variety of culturally diverse art, music and dance presented by local groups.

This year, the festival will be held at Interurban Common, which opened in April 2025. The approximately 2.5-acre park includes two pavilions, a trail, solar lighting, a seat wall and landscaping. The space was designed to provide a pedestrian-friendly connection through Downtown Richardson and includes areas that can accommodate community activities and events.

All vendor applications go through a committee review process, and acceptance is not guaranteed.

Learn more about Culture in The CORE and apply to be a vendor

Richardson City Manager Honored for Regional Leadership
Richardson City Manager Don Magner was presented the North Texas Commission's 2026 Regional Civic Leadership Award at the North Texas Commission's Annual Meeting Sept. 22 in Irving. The award recognizes his three decades of public service and commitment to regional collaboration.

Magner was cited for helping address complex regional issues, including a long-standing North Texas Municipal Water District dispute, development of a new partnership model with Dallas Area Rapid Transit, and economic development efforts that have strengthened Richardson's role as a center for technology, innovation and high-skilled employment.

Magner has served the City since 1996 and became city manager in 2022.

Peanut Butter Drive Wraps Up Wednesday
The annual North Texas Food Bank Peanut Butter Drive continues through Sept. 30, with several locations in Richardson where peanut butter jars can be dropped off.

Locations include:

The event is held every September in conjunction with Hunger Action Month and benefits local food banks in several North Texas cities.

Last year, 3,602 pounds of peanut butter were collected at City locations, more than any amount collected since Richardson began participating in 2019.

Learn more about the Peanut Butter Drive

Richardson Today in Mailboxes Next Week
The October 2026 print edition of Richardson Today is off the printer and will be in mailboxes next week. It includes articles on the 2026-27 Budget, the City Council Place 3 vacancy, the Library's upcoming closure, updates on economic development and infrastructure projects, and more.

Richardson Today is mailed to every residence in the city. Residents who do not receive a copy and live within Richardson city limits should check with their local mail carrier.

Receive Richardson Today as soon as it is available by signing up online for a digital copy at the beginning of each month. Subscribers will still receive the printed edition at home while also gaining quick access on a phone, tablet or computer.

Visit www.cor.net/SignUp and select "Richardson Today" to sign up.

Lane Closure on Belt Line Road in The CORE District
The right lane of westbound Belt Line Road between Inge Drive and Lindale Lane may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for fiber optic work. The project is expected to wrap up in late December, weather permitting.

Fiber Optic Work to Close Lane on Campbell Road East of US 75
The right lane of westbound Campbell Road between Glenville Drive and Firman Drive may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for fiber optic work. The project is expected to wrap up in late December, weather permitting.

To see what is coming up in Richardson, subscribe to our free weekly Things to Do newsletters. The newsletter comes out each Wednesday and will help you plan your weekend and find things to do locally.

Sign Up: Link

"Four D's" Still Important as Calendar Turns to Fall
The calendar has turned to fall. In fall, cooler temperatures typically bring more outdoor activities and with that comes a risk of more incidents of West Nile virus (WNV) infections-in fact, fall is considered the most active season for WNV infections. The City of Richardson tests mosquitoes each year from April through the end of October, and sprays areas if/where WNV is detected in mosquito samples.

You can reduce your risk of WNV by following the Four Ds of Protection:

Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not feel sick. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.

Learn more about mosquito control at home and in the yard
Visit the City's mosquito webpage

Keep Cardboard Clean, Dry and Flat
Richardson asks residents to keep cardboard clean and dry because wet cardboard is considered contamination in our recycling program and can be harder to sort and process.

Recycle cardboard in three steps:

Trash and recycling are collected on the same day. Blue bags help crews quickly identify what is recycling while also helping protect cardboard from rain.

Learn more about recycling in Richardson

www.cor.net/EPI

Customer Service Rep - Billing ($43,680-$59,075 Salary)
Water Customer Service is looking for an individual that can maintain customer billing records, respond to utility billing inquiries and assist in billing preparation. Assist in answering accounts receivable billing questions. Provide switchboard backup, and work in the cashier position as assigned. Work in close contact with the public. Perform other related work as required. High school diploma or GED required.

Technical Theater Specialist - Lighting ($50,650-$71,731 Salary)
The Eisemann Center is looking for an individual who can coordinate and supervise stage activities related to light production. Coordinates work of and assists part-time house technicians, contract stagehands, and volunteers involved in the setup, operation, and striking of presentations in and around the Eisemann Center. Assists in assuring that stage labor and equipment needs are met appropriately and cost-effectively. Operates a computer and software effectively for reports and correspondence. Performs other related work as required. One (1) year of college required in theatre arts, technical direction, lighting design or related field. Equivalent training may be substituted for education requirement. Certificates in lighting courses or rigging preferred.

Public Safety Officer PT ($21.85/hr to $25.13/hr)
The Police Department is looking for an individual who can perform non-emergency public contact functions within the Richardson Police Department. This job function will be performed both in the station and in the field. High School diploma required; GED acceptable if augmented with 60 college credit hours. Texas Driver's License without restriction (except "A") required. Must be a US citizen. Must be 18 years of age.

www.cor.net/Jobs

Pet of the Week
Meet Bubby, a 10-year-old pitbull with a heart full of love. This senior dog is the epitome of a couch potato, preferring cozy snuggles to long walks. Bubby's sweet, friendly nature makes him the perfect companion for anyone looking for a cuddly friend. Despite his age, he radiates youthful joy and is always ready to offer a gentle nuzzle. Adopting Bubby means gaining a loyal friend who asks for nothing more than a spot on the sofa and a place in your heart.

For information about animals available for adoption, visit the Animal Shelter's web page here.

City Council Links

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To read previous Week in Reviews,

visit www.cor.net/WIR.