Anna City Council Explains New Property Tax Rates and Police Station Funding

The City Council of Anna, Texas, held a special meeting on September 2, 2025, where property tax rates took center stage. Key discussions revolved around the implications of the new tax rates, particularly in light of recent changes in Texas property tax law.

City officials clarified that the governing body cannot adopt a tax rate exceeding the voter approval rate without a public hearing. This year, the no new revenue rate is set at 0.495928, while the voter approval rate stands at 0.532173. Notably, this marks the first time in two years that Anna will not adopt the maximum available tax rate, which had been the de minimis rate in previous years.

Despite an increase in the tax rate, officials highlighted that the operations and maintenance tax rate is actually decreasing, attributed to growth in appraised property values. The increase in the overall tax rate is primarily due to rising debt service payments linked to the construction of a new police station.

City representatives emphasized the importance of understanding that property tax bills are influenced by both home values and tax rates. For the average homeowner, while the tax rate has increased, the overall tax bill is projected to rise by less than $100, a significant decrease compared to previous years.

The meeting concluded with an open public hearing, but no community members chose to speak. City officials remain open to questions as they navigate the complexities of the new tax structure and its impact on residents.