University Park voters decide on November 3, 2026, whether to raise the city's property tax rate by about one cent to pay for more police officers, firefighters and parking enforcement. On a median-value home of about $1.8 million, the increase would cost roughly $193 a year. Here is what is on the ballot and what it means for homeowners.
What exactly is on the University Park ballot?
The University Park City Council voted unanimously on August 17, 2026, to call a tax rate election, People Newspapers reported on August 20. The proposal would set the rate at 22.0055 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The base budget rate is 20.9534 cents, so the increase is about 1.05 cents. If voters approve, the city expects to collect an additional $1,459,476.
Why does University Park need an election to raise the rate?
Texas law limits cities to growing property tax revenue by 3.5 percent a year without voter approval. Finance director Tom Tvardzik told the council the additional funds would require an election. If the measure fails, the rate would drop to 21.039 cents per $100.
What would the money pay for?
The city laid out four uses, according to People Newspapers:
- Four additional patrol officers, plus a patrol vehicle and equipment: $601,560.
- Two additional firefighters, plus equipment: $263,400. The city said this could reduce fire department overtime costs by up to $125,000.
- Fire pension changes, cutting the vesting period from 20 to 10 years and enhancing the benefit formula: $300,286.
- Parking enforcement tools, including a vehicle and equipment, two license plate recognition systems and a resident parking district portal: $294,230.
Did anyone speak against it?
Multiple residents spoke in favor at the August 4 and August 17 council meetings, and no one spoke against it, People Newspapers reported. A retired fire chief described it as an investment in the community, and a former council member also supported it.
Why now, and how does this fit the city's other 2026 decisions?
This is not the only big choice University Park has made this year. On May 2, 2026, voters chose to stay in DART, about 54 percent (1,461 votes) to 46 percent (1,262), People Newspapers reported, while Highland Park voters chose to leave. Staying in DART means the city continues to contribute a share of local sales tax to the transit agency, and it keeps a seat on the DART board alongside Addison.
The council has also been working through parking issues. In May it approved a public improvement district in Snider Plaza that begins January 1, 2027, assessing property owners in the district to fund off-site parking for 150 to 200 employees. The parking enforcement tools in this tax proposal, including license plate readers and a resident parking district portal, fit into that broader effort to manage neighborhood parking near SMU and the city's retail areas.
How do public safety staffing and pensions connect?
Two of the four spending items involve the fire department. Adding firefighters is expected to reduce overtime, and shortening pension vesting from 20 to 10 years is generally meant to help recruit and keep staff in a competitive regional market. Voters can weigh those goals against the added cost.
What else is on the November ballot for University Park residents?
People Newspapers' October ballot guide lists other items University Park voters will see:
- A Dallas County tax rate of $0.248650 per $100 of value, connected to funding homelessness response and access to mental health treatment.
- Races for U.S. House District 24 and Texas House District 108.
- Dallas County Judge and Commissioners Court Precinct 2.
Check the Dallas County elections office for polling locations and sample ballots.
What does this mean for University Park homeowners and buyers?
Our agents at The Agency Dallas who work University Park get questions about property taxes on nearly every buyer consultation. A few points worth keeping in perspective:
- The city portion is a small slice. The city rate of about 21 to 22 cents is one piece of the total bill, alongside Highland Park ISD, Dallas County and other taxing units. A one-cent change at the city level is modest compared to the overall rate.
- Service levels are part of what buyers pay for. Response times and a staffed public safety department are part of why families choose University Park. Many buyers see this kind of spending as protecting what they came for.
- Parking is a live issue. License plate readers and a resident parking portal point to the city's continuing work on neighborhood parking, especially near SMU and Snider Plaza.
- Budget math for buyers. When estimating carrying costs, buyers should use current rates and adjust once the election result is known. Assessed values matter as much as the rate.
For broader context on the city, see our University Park page, and if you want a sense of where your home's value stands, our home valuation page is a quiet place to start.
The Agency Dallas does not take positions on ballot measures. Our job is to help residents understand what is being decided and how it fits into the cost of owning a home here. Whichever way the vote goes on November 3, the result will set University Park's rate for the coming year.
Frequently asked questions
When is the University Park tax rate election?
The election is on November 3, 2026, alongside state, federal and county races. The University Park City Council unanimously called the election on August 17, 2026. Voters should check the Dallas County elections office for early voting dates, polling places and a sample ballot before heading out.
How much would the University Park tax increase cost me?
The city estimated the increase at about $193 a year on a home worth about $1.8 million, which is University Park's median home value. Your amount depends on your home's assessed value and exemptions. The proposed rate is 22.0055 cents per $100 of assessed value, compared with a base budget rate of 20.9534 cents.
What happens if the University Park tax measure fails?
If voters reject the proposal, the city's rate would drop to 21.039 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, according to People Newspapers. The additional officers, firefighters, pension changes and parking enforcement tools tied to the roughly $1.46 million in new revenue would not be funded at the proposed level.
Does this affect Highland Park ISD taxes?
No. This election covers only the City of University Park's property tax rate. Highland Park ISD sets its own rate separately, and Dallas County has its own rate on the ballot. Your total property tax bill combines all of these taxing units, so each one should be considered on its own.
