News Room

Public can weigh in on proposed tax rate
August 8, 2009

The city is proposing a slight increase in its property tax rate, and El Pasoans will have a chance to sound off about it Tuesday.

Written by David Burge, The El Paso Times

Financials

EL PASO -- The city is proposing a slight increase in its property tax rate, and El Pasoans will have a chance to sound off about it Tuesday.

The city wants to increase its share of property tax bills for homeowners and businesses in the city less than a half of 1 percent -- to 63.6 cents per $100 valuation.

If your home is valued at $100,000, you would pay $3 more on your city property tax, officials said.

A public hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. or later as part of the City Council's regular meeting Tuesday. It's the first of two required hearings; the other will be on Aug. 18.

Council members are scheduled to approve the proposed tax rate at their Aug. 25 meeting in conjunction with the new budget.

The hearings are required under state law and the city charter, said Bill Studer, deputy city manager for finance and public safety.

The council can approve a lower rate when it adopts the budget, but it can't raise the rate without having to start the ordinance process over again, Studer said.

City Manager Joyce Wilson has proposed a $673.2 million budget, which is down $16 million, or 2.33 percent.

David Burge may be reached at dburge@elpasotimes.com; 546-6126.

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