Despite unanimous approval, not all council members agreed with the property tax hike
Plano residents are about to see a property tax rate increase for the first time in over a decade. On Sept. 8, the city council voted unanimously to raise the city’s rate from 41.76 cents to 43.76 cents per $100 of assessed value.
The decision follows three years of holding the line on taxes, but city leaders say slowing growth and rising costs necessitate the change. Council initially considered keeping the tax rate of 41.76, but ultimately changed course.
The new rate takes effect Oct. 1, coinciding with the start of the 2025-26 fiscal year.
City-Wide Improvements Planned
Plano’s $797 million budget lays out ambitious plans for the year ahead, including $319 million in capital projects. About one-third of that will be devoted to street improvements. Other major projects include park upgrades, construction of a new police headquarters and a new fire station.
The plan also boosts funding for public safety positions, includes across-the-board pay increases for city employees and adds two new staff roles.
Photo: Historic Downtown Plano Association | Visit Plano
Debate Over Spending Priorities
Not all residents were satisfied with how funds are allocated. Plano resident Jennifer Groysman voiced sharp criticism over the city’s communications spending, singling out lighthearted social media videos she felt were frivolous.
“We don’t need a woman dancing, wearing a traffic cone or a video of city council members playing football with a jar of peanut butter,” Groysman said during the public comment section of the meeting. “We really don’t care whether you like creamy or crunchy. There are more classier and economical ways to tell people about construction and the peanut butter drive.”
Council Members Weigh In
Councilmember Rick Horne defended the budget, emphasizing the need to manage Plano’s finances responsibly. “Make no mistake, the city of Plano is a business,” he said. “We’re not here to make a profit, but we also have to be good stewards of the people’s money. Our biggest cost happens to be labor, and we have the best staff in the state, if not the country.”
Not every council member was comfortable with the tax increase. Council Member Vidal Quintanilla expressed concerns about raising the rate too quickly. “While I do recognize the importance of funding essential city services, I believe a more gradual stair-step approach will make it more efficient for our residents.”
Groysman echoed that sentiment later in the meeting. “If you want to make Plano the place for middle-class families and not just for the rich, lower the rate and pass a lower rate,” she said.
What’s Next
The new budget and tax rate officially go into effect Oct. 1. City leaders say the additional revenue will allow Plano to maintain essential services and invest in long-term infrastructure, even as residents and council members continue to debate the balance between fiscal responsibility and affordability.
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