Discuss and consider action on setting the Public Hearing on the Proposed Tax Rate of $0.6058 per $100 valuation for August 24, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

The property tax rate setting process is governed by Chapter 26 of the Texas Property Tax Code.   There have been multiple changes to the tax rate setting process due to the 2019 Texas State Legislature actions (SB2).   The tax rate adoption timeline for the City requires that by August 7th, or soon as possible thereafter, the designated officer or employee must submit tax rates to the City Council.  In addition, the City must provide a website notice of tax rates and additional information and submit the tax rate calculation forms to the county-assessor-collector.   The tax rate of $0.6058 per $100 valuation is recommended in the City Manager's Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.      <br><br>The proposed tax rate does not exceed the no new revenue tax rate which is calculated at $0.605860 per $100 valuation and a Public Hearing must be held.   It is recommended that the City Council conduct this hearing on August 24, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. before the vote on the tax rate.   The tax rate public hearing must be held at least 5 days after published notice of the tax rate is given, and not more than 7 days before adoption of the tax rate.  The tax rate may be adopted after a public hearing.<br><br>

This motion is scored as EXPANDS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 8.8/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, measures that increase tax rates or fee schedules, issue new debt or Certificates of Obligation, expand regulatory/zoning restrictions on private land use, or authorize unbudgeted spending expansions reduce an official's Freedom Score when voted YES (and reward dissenting NO votes).