EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 El Paso homeowners could pay about $11 more a month in property taxes under the city\u2019s latest budget recommendation, a change city leaders say is tied to lower-than-expected certified property values.<\/p>\n
City leaders said certified property values came in about $415 million below what was used in the proposed budget. <\/p>\n
According to a city presentation, the increase for the average homeowner is estimated to be about $132 more a year.<\/p>\n
District 1 City Council Rep. Alejandra Chavez said the city is also dealing with reduced revenue tied to state mandates.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are some state mandates that have reduced our revenue at the city by about 13 and a half million dollars, and so because of that, like business personal property exemptions and other exemptions also by the state mandate, we are trying to figure out how to compensate for those exemptions. That is real money that is no longer going to be coming to the city of El Paso,\u201d Chavez said.<\/p>\n
The city said its priority is keeping funding for services including streets, parks, animal services and a contingency fund for items such as public safety contracts.<\/p>\n
Public hearings on the tax rate and proposed budget are set for Aug. 17, with final adoption scheduled for Aug. 18. <\/p>\n
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