EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso officials are weighing a higher property tax rate as the city works to balance its upcoming budget, a move that comes as many residents face higher costs.
Mayor Renard Johnson and the city’s Chief Financial Officer Robert Cortinas discussed the proposal during a KFOX14 Community Conversations segment that focused on why the city says it needs a property tax increase now and what it would mean for residents.
City leaders say El Paso has already cut $26 million before proposing the tax increase.
Under the proposal, the city estimates the average homeowner would pay about $132 more per year on their property tax bill.
The discussion also centered on what residents would get in return if the tax rate increase is approved, and what specific services or spending would be reduced if City Council rejects it.
The segment also addressed broader concerns from taxpayers who want to know what the city is doing differently as it builds the budget, including what decisions city government has made to “do more with less.”
Johnson also faced questions about how the proposed increase aligns with his campaign message of lowering taxes and what he would say to El Pasoans who supported him.
Watch the full interview:
Community Conversations: El Paso mayor discusses proposed property tax hike
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