Dallas residents react to potential library cuts, street improvement and police funding at budget town halls

Library closures, infrastructure investment and police funding were some of the leading topics during the August town halls discussing Dallas’ 2025-2026 fiscal budget.

The city manager’s proposed budget sees a $63 million increase for the police department, a nearly $40 million increase in street improvement, the consolidation of four social service departments and a reduction of funding that could lead to public pools and library closures.

Here’s what residents said during these town halls:

Libraries

Multiple residents spoke against the closure of any public library, but especially the Skillman Southwestern Branch. A resident at the Aug. 19 town hall for District 6 said the expenses of Dallas police (like new vehicles) could keep a city library open. 

A speaker at the Aug. 14 town hall for District 6 said libraries provide important job-seeking services, shelter during bad weather and ESL services.

Several Friends of the Dallas Public Library members spoke against these closures during a Wednesday public hearing before the entire city council.

Police funding

The increase in police funding received a varied response from town hall participants. Some residents said the budget overfunds the police department at the expense of other services.

Some residents, like one from West Dallas at the Aug. 14 District 6 meeting, said there needs to be more police officers on nights and weekends in her neighborhood.

At an Aug. 21 meeting, District 4 Council member Maxie Johnson said the increased police budget reflects what Dallas residents have asked for.

“One of the things that we talked about and we heard from citizens is that we need more police because of our response times, but also to have a safer community, ” he said.

Infrastructure and environmental polluters

Many residents asked for more funding for infrastructure (the number one priority in city surveys) and ways to make sure the funding addresses problems in their specific neighborhoods.

Residents at the Aug. 19 District 7 town hall asked what funds can be used to improve the surrounding area and get rid of non-conforming sites like TAMKO.

“I can say confidently that I am prepared to start the five-signature memo process so that we can at least start with an appraisal of TAMKO in Joppa,” District 7 Council member Adam Bazaldua said, “Which is the very first step for us to be able to revisit the non-conforming use of that property.”

The council members are set to make amendments to the proposed budget at their Sept. 3 budget workshop and approve the final tax rate and budget on Sept. 17.