There will be no quick trip down the ballot for North Texas voters this November. Beyond a marquee Senate race and other statewide, legislative and county contests, local cities are pushing bonds and tax proposals.
Voters will decide whether to shift property tax revenue from debt payments to city operations. The overall rate would still fall by about 1 cent, to 67.99 cents per $100 of assessed value. The money would support police officers, firefighters, 911 dispatchers and animal services workers, along with parks, libraries and city events. The ballot calls it a tax increase because the operating rate would exceed the state threshold. If it fails, the rate would fall further, potentially requiring spending cuts, the city said.
The proposition would raise the property tax rate from 20.9534 cents in the city’s base budget to 22.0055 cents per $100 of taxable value. The measure would generate about $1.46 million annually for four police officers, two firefighters, improved firefighter pensions and residential-parking technology. The higher rate would add $193 annually for a home worth $1.8 million, the city’s median. If voters reject it, the city would retain a lower rate of 21.039 cents and not receive supplemental funding for the additions.
Voters will consider five bond propositions totaling $90.5 million for streets, parks, public-safety facilities, a public-works complex and an animal shelter. Each will be decided separately. The city estimates repayment with interest could total $145.5 million over 20 years. Approving all could add an estimated maximum of about $35 annually on a homestead with $350,000 in taxable value. Costs will depend on interest rates and home values.