Why an unchanged Corpus Christi tax rate could still cost homeowners more

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Corpus Christi City Council members moved forward Tuesday with keeping the city’s current property tax rate in place.

The proposed rate is 59 cents per $100 of property valuation. Although the city is not increasing the rate, officials said homeowners could still pay more because of changes in property values.

Councilman Gil Hernandez said property tax revenue tied to rising values helps the city cover its costs.

“The challenge is when you don’t have the revenue that comes in with our property values, this is what ends up happening,” Hernandez said. “We’re skirting the edge here.”

Councilwoman Sylvia Campos questioned whether keeping the rate unchanged would allow the city to provide the services residents need.

“It looks great that you didn’t raise taxes, but the other flip side: Did you provide essential services needed for a city to function properly?” Campos said.

The City Council is expected to take a final vote on the property tax rate during next Tuesday’s meeting.

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