EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso residents could soon see their city property taxes rise, a proposal that comes as many households are already dealing with higher electric and water bills and other inflation-driven costs.
City leaders are proposing a property tax increase that, if approved, would mean the owner of an average-valued home could pay about $132 more in city property taxes this year.
The proposal has drawn opposition from City Representative Lily Limon, who voted against introducing the proposed tax rate. The debate is unfolding as city leaders say El Paso has already cut $26 million before bringing forward the tax increase.
Budget questions surrounding the proposal include whether additional cuts could be made to avoid shifting more costs to taxpayers, and if so, what areas could be reduced.
RELATED: El Paso leaders unveil FY 2027 budget proposal, including possible property tax rate hike
Public safety is a central focus in the discussion, accounting for about 57% of the proposed general fund. A key issue is whether the city can significantly reduce that portion of the budget without affecting police, fire or emergency services.
City financial leaders have also raised concerns about the city’s past reliance on fund balance and other one-time money. The city’s chief financial officer has said that approach in previous years “merely postponed difficult decisions” and that those decisions are now “catching up with the city.”
As the city weighs its next steps, residents’ ability to pay is emerging as a major consideration alongside the city’s need to maintain services.
Watch full interview:
Community Conversations: Rep. Lily Limon opposes city proposed property tax hike rate
RECOMMENDED: Community Conversations: EPISD board president Leah Hanany discusses bond plans
Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox.