Hello, Weslaco. I want to take a few minutes to talk about property tax rate the city is proposing for the upcoming 2026-2027 fiscal year.
Here's the most important part: the city is proposing a tax rate that is nearly two cents lower than last year's rate. Last year, the city's tax rate was 0.6867 for every $100 of taxable property value. This year, the proposed rate is 0.6678. That is almost a two-cent reduction and approximately a 3% decrease in the city's tax rate.
We began working on the city's budget several months ago. We looked closely at the money coming into the city, how it was being spent, the funds we have available, and what it would take to continue providing the services our residents rely on every day. We also asked an important question: Can we lower the tax rate while continuing to provide those services?
And the answer is yes. As part of this process, the city also received a determination from the Texas Attorney General that limited the maximum rate the city could adopt. We acknowledge the city's role in determination and take responsibility for it.
While it established a limit, it was not the only factor considered in developing the tax rate. After reviewing the city's finances and services needs, we are proposing a tax rate of 0.6678, which calculated no new revenue rate.
So, what does that mean? In simple terms, the no new revenue rate is calculated to bring the city about the same amount of property tax revenue from properties that were on the tax roll last year. New properties added this year are not included in that comparison. As property values change, the city can lower its tax rate and still collect the same amount of revenue from those existing properties.
However, a lower city tax rate does not guarantee that every property owner's tax bill will be lower. Your individual bill also depends on the taxable value of your property and the tax rates adopted by other tax entities listed on your bill. With the city controls, it's its own tax rate, and the rate we are proposing is lower than last year's.
We work towards this reduction while making sure we can continue funding public safety, streets, infrastructure, parks, utilities, and other services our residents depend on. Our goal is to provide tax rate relief, use taxpayer dollars responsibly, and continue investing in Weslaco. That is our commitment to you as we prepare for another year, and our City of the Grow.
Editor's Note: The above remarks were delivered by Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez. He first made them on the City of Weslaco's social media platforms.
