Mayor speaks against House Bill 134 threatening $5M in Farmers Branch sales tax revenue

In the heart of Farmers Branch, city leaders gathered on March 18, 2025, to address pressing issues that could significantly impact the community's financial future. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as Mayor and Council members recounted their recent trip to Austin, where they voiced strong opposition to House Bill 134, a proposed change in the way sales taxes are collected.

The bill, if passed, would shift the tax collection system from an origin-based model to a destination-based one. This means that sales taxes would be sent to the city where a product is delivered, rather than where it is sold. The implications of this change are profound, with estimates suggesting that Farmers Branch could face a staggering $5 million loss in sales tax revenue. This figure does not account for potential future economic deals that could fall through or businesses that might relocate due to the diminished financial leverage the city would have.

During the meeting, the Mayor emphasized the critical nature of this issue, comparing the potential loss to a significant budget reduction. "Last year, we faced a $2.02 and a half cent reduction. Losing $5 million is essentially like a 5¢ reduction in our budget, which would severely impact our ability to provide essential services, including public safety," he explained.

The Mayor and Council members were not alone in their fight; they were joined by representatives from neighboring cities like Coppell and Carrollton, all united in their opposition to the bill. The collective voice of these communities resonated in Austin, where they urged state representatives to reconsider the bill's potential consequences.

As the meeting progressed, Council members encouraged residents to take action. They urged citizens to reach out to their elected officials and express their concerns about the bill's impact on local services and the community's overall well-being. "It's important for us as residents to make as much noise as possible," the Mayor stated, highlighting the need for community engagement in the legislative process.

The urgency of the situation was palpable, with Council members stressing that the proposed changes could lead to devastating effects on local budgets and services. As the meeting concluded, the leaders left with a renewed commitment to advocate for Farmers Branch, determined to protect the city's financial health and the services that residents rely on. The outcome of House Bill 134 remains uncertain, but the voices of Farmers Branch are poised to make a significant impact in the ongoing discussions at the state level.