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Council adopts resolution opposing improper tax‑exemption transfers at Housing Authority affiliates
Summary
After executive‑session review, council approved a resolution authorizing active opposition to improper or potentially illegal use of property tax exemptions by Corpus Christi Housing Authority affiliates; staff said the transactions had not been authorized by the council and could reduce city tax revenue.
The City Council adopted a resolution expressing opposition to improper or potentially illegal property tax exemptions taken by affiliates of the Corpus Christi Housing Authority, after an executive‑session briefing and public reconvening.
City Manager Peter Zanoni told the council the city’s appraisal records indicated recent transactions involving housing‑authority property that remove hundreds of millions of dollars of taxable property from the tax rolls. Zanoni estimated the immediate budget impact to the city’s general fund could be about $3.5 million in lost property tax revenue and as much as $7 million if additional transactions proceed.
Zanoni emphasized these transactions were actions taken by the Corpus Christi Housing Authority and its affiliates, not by the City Council or city staff. Councilwoman Kalyn Paxton moved the resolution "authorizing active opposition to improper and or illegal use of property tax exemptions by the Corpus Christi Housing Authority affiliates and entities connected thereto." The motion passed unanimously.
City Attorney Miles Risley had reviewed the matter and staff said they are investigating legal and administrative options; the resolution authorizes active opposition and does not itself initiate litigation. Council members said they wanted transparency for residents about revenue risks and confirmed council had not authorized the transactions described in the briefing.
