Murphy homeowners could see their annual property tax bill rise by about $165 if the City Council gives final approval to a proposed rate increase at a Sept. 15 public hearing.

Council members gave preliminary approval to the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget and a maximum tax rate of $0.361832 per $100 of assessed valuation at their Tuesday, Aug. 18, meeting, the Murphy Monitor reported. The proposed rate represents a 1.2% increase, or $0.004, over the current rate of $0.3575.

The discussion lasted more than an hour.

A taxpayer impact statement prepared by Collin County shows the median home value in Murphy rose by $39,095 in 2026 to $592,198. At the proposed rate, the yearly tax bill on that median-value home would climb $165.34 to $2,142.76.

Mayor Scott Bradley, who is working on his 20th city budget, compared Murphy's tax burden to surrounding cities during the meeting. "Murphy is a good deal," Bradley said.

He also addressed accountability. "If we're not meeting the needs of the residents, or we're providing services that the residents don't need, then that comes back to you," the mayor told council members.

For comparison, the council adopted the current fiscal year's budget at $63.1 million, up 10% from the prior year. Council set the tax rate at $0.3575 per $100 of assessed valuation at its Sept. 16, 2025, meeting.

The numbers approved Aug. 18 are not final. A public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, where residents can weigh in before the council takes a final vote. The rate could still change before adoption.

Murphy residents who want to comment on the proposed budget and tax rate can attend the Sept. 15 hearing at City Hall or contact the city through its website.