Overview

• A former mayoral candidate, Jeff Bowen, filed suit against Mayor Kirk Watson and the full City Council challenging the tax-rate election language set for Nov. 4.
• The council-approved rate is $0.574017 per $100 of valuation, about 5 cents above the voter-approval rate, which the city estimates would raise roughly $110 million.
• The ordinance places the measure on the ballot as Proposition Q with a statement that it is a tax increase and references funding for housing affordability, homelessness, parks, public health, public safety, and general operations.
• Bowen’s petition, filed with the Third Court of Appeals, argues the ballot fails to state that the increase would be recurring and is too vague to create an enforceable commitment on how funds will be spent.
• Mayor Watson said the language is appropriate and legally compliant, as the city prepares to defend it, while prior council action included a $6.3 billion budget passed 10–1 and an estimated $302.14 average annual bill increase for homeowners if approved.