According to a press release, Temple continues to experience rapid growth, with its veteran population alone rising by 25-30 percent annually. In response, city leaders have prioritized funding for areas such as public safety technology and infrastructure modernization.
The approved budget includes $6.5 million for the Information Technology Services Department (ITS), which oversees internal systems modernization, network infrastructure upgrades, GIS platform development and cybersecurity.
ITS initiatives planned for 2026 include the implementation of a traffic monitoring software system, the development of a new online registration system for Parks and Recreation, the implementation of visitor analytics software and the creation of a citywide technology master plan.
More than $2.4 million in capital funding is allocated to specific technology projects, including:
- $610,000 to replace police and fire mobile data laptops
- $515,000 for mobile radio replacements
- $455,000 to replace Mitel phone switch systems
- $385,000 for portable radio replacements
- $100,000 for council chambers software at the new city hall
- $100,000 for cemetery inventory tracking and mapping software
Additional projects include $80,000 for a new police mobile warning app, $75,000 for a citywide website redesign and $55,000 for a SWAT robot.
These projects will be implemented across departments, including police, fire, parks, libraries and administrative services. Temple is also investing in customer-facing technologies such as digital registration platforms and online engagement tools, although not all of these items have publicly listed costs.
The city cited increased demand for services and infrastructure as a driver behind the broader FY 2026 budget. According to city officials, growth and development have added pressure on systems that support transportation, utilities and public safety.
The new budget takes effect Oct. 1. The full budget can be found here.
