Palmview sets proposed maximum tax rate of 0.5879 and schedules Sept. 15 public hearing

The Palmview City Council voted Aug. 18 to set a proposed maximum property-tax rate of 0.5879 and scheduled a public hearing on the rate for Sept. 15. Council members said the action does not adopt a final tax rate; it sets the maximum the council may consider during upcoming budget workshops and the public hearing.

City staff explained the step is required by state statute to allow the council to publish notice and plan its budget. The administration told the council the 0.5879 figure is a planning ceiling and that the final rate will be adopted after the public hearing and additional review.

Staff also said the city will publish notice of the hearing in a local newspaper and on the city’s website as required. During questions, a council member asked what a rate change would mean for a typical homeowner; staff said one penny of the tax rate generates roughly $87,000 in revenue for the city and that a per-household impact analysis would be prepared for the public hearing. A council member noted the last comparable change two years ago represented an increase in the low‑teens of dollars for a $100,000 home; staff said they would provide a precise estimate when the council votes on a final rate.

The council took a recorded vote on the proposed maximum rate. The meeting record shows at least one recorded Nay from Commissioner Hernandez. The motion to set the 0.5879 proposed maximum passed and the hearing was set for Sept. 15.

Staff said the proposed ceiling will allow the city to continue budget planning and publish required notices; the council will make a final decision following the public hearing and adoption of the budget.