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Public hearings draw sustained opposition and questions over use of county sales tax to fund roads, jail and fire services
Summary
Guadalupe County held public hearings on Aug. 12 about calling an election to establish county assistance districts (sales-tax increase). Multiple residents and several commissioners questioned projected revenue, the geographic reach (ETJs) and whether fund balance or other cuts could avoid a tax increase.
Guadalupe County held a public hearing Aug. 12 to solicit input on whether to put a sales tax increase for one or more County Assistance Districts (CADs) on the ballot. The court did not vote to call an election; commissioners said the record of public comment would inform decisions as the budget process moves toward final adoption on Sept. 2.
Why it matters: CADs would allow counties to ask voters to increase the local sales tax — a consumption tax — to fund a limited set of services: road construction, law enforcement, detention and jail facilities, fire protection, and economic development. The proposal would not raise property taxes but would increase the sales tax paid by anyone who makes taxable purchases in the district.
Public comments and concerns
Residents and community members who spoke opposed putting the question on the ballot at this time. Terry Harper, who identified himself as active in Republican Party politics,…
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