Public Hearing and First Reading Ordinance setting a property tax rate of $0.599774 per $100 valuation which is effectively a 0.50% increase over the no-new-revenue tax rate and approving the tax roll as calculated. (60 percent favorable vote required) (City Council Motion: “I move that the property tax rate be increased by the adoption of a tax rate of $0.599774, which is effectively a 0.50% percent increase in the tax rate.”)

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

Director of Finance Sergio Villasana presented information on the following topics: FY 2027 property tax rate; property tax dollar; and staff recommendation. City Manager Peter Zanoni, Director Villasana, and Interim City Attorney Buck Brice responded to Council questions. Mayor Pro Tem Paxson opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Pro Tem Paxson closed the public hearing. Mayor Pro Tem Paxson announced the following: “During today’s City Council meeting, the City Council will vote on the first reading of the proposed property tax rate of $0.599774 per $100 valuation for Fiscal Year 2027, and at the September 8, 2026, City Council meeting beginning at 11:30 am at City Hall, the City Council will vote on the second reading of the proposed property tax rate of $0.599774 per $100 valuation.” Mayor Pro Tem Paxson moved to amend the ordinance to adopt a no new revenue rate of $0.596985 per $100 valuation, seconded by Council Member Cantu. The motion failed. Council Member Barrera made the following motion: "I move that the property tax rate be increased by the adoption of a tax rate of $0.599774 per $100 valuation, which is effectively a 0.50 percent increase in the tax rate," seconded by Council Member Campos. This Ordinance was passed on first reading and approved with the following vote:

This motion is scored as RESTRAINS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 9.9/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, voting YES on measures that cap or reduce ad valorem tax burdens, expand taxpayer exemptions, retire debt early, enforce competitive bidding caps, or remove regulatory/zoning barriers to private property rights earns a positive Pro-Liberty score.