Budget Battles Heat Up as Tax Concerns Rise

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the continuation of the burn ban for an additional 90 days, which was approved unanimously. The meeting then shifted focus to the 2025 budget for the Central Appraisal District, which has seen a proposed increase of approximately 4.7% from last year, bringing the total to around $1.3 million.

Concerns were raised regarding salary increases for district employees, particularly for senior staff, which some officials deemed excessive. One member expressed opposition to the average 4% salary increase, citing a lack of justification and the dissatisfaction among residents regarding property valuations.

The discussion also included a proposal for a new budget and tax rate, with a representative from We the People Liberty in Action advocating for a zero-based budgeting approach. They emphasized the financial strain on residents, particularly in light of the current economic climate, and argued against increasing taxes or salaries at this time.

Despite these concerns, the proposed budget includes a slight tax decrease, although officials acknowledged that it is minimal. The meeting concluded with discussions about the allocation of leftover funds from the American Rescue Plan, totaling nearly $295,000, which are earmarked for various projects. The next budget workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, although some officials noted potential scheduling conflicts.