Particle.news
Get it on Google Play
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
2w ago

Bexar Keeps Tax Rate Flat as Harris Eyes Big Increase

The split choices will force either higher property bills or staff and service cuts as temporary federal relief runs out and taxable values have fallen.

Precinct 4 Commissioner Tommy Calvert argued that maintaining services while funding employee raises and infrastructure projects could become more difficult without a tax rate increase.

Overview

  • Bexar County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to keep the property tax rate at just under $0.30 per $100 and will formally set the rate and adopt a $2.6 billion budget at a Sept. 15 public hearing.
  • To balance that budget Bexar plans a pay freeze for most elected officials and employees, no new capital projects, the transfer of about $20 million in surplus flood tax funds to the general fund, and announced upcoming job cuts.
  • County officials say a roughly $145 million shortfall is driven by expiring ARPA-funded positions, a 1.3% drop in taxable property values, slower construction and expanded exemptions; property taxes provide about 80% of county revenue.
  • Harris County is pursuing a different path with a recommended nearly 8% combined rate increase to about $0.67 per $100 to help close a projected more-than $180 million gap, with commissioners set to consider the proposal next week and other offsets under review.
  • The choices could strain county workers and public safety pay and morale, rely on one-time fixes that do not solve structural gaps, and lead to further tax or service decisions before the fiscal year starts Oct. 1.