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Council holds public hearing on 1% ad valorem levy; debate over small increase versus 0%
Summary
Council held a public hearing on Ordinance 2024-1025 proposing a 1% ad valorem levy (about $6,255.70 on the levy base, roughly under $1 per household). Members debated directing funds to law enforcement or community events; the council moved to set the rate at 0% for the upcoming action and will revisit the ordinance at second reading.
The Deer Park City Council on Nov. 6 opened a public hearing on Ordinance 2024‑1025, a proposed ad valorem (levy) action for 2025 that staff said would equal 1% of the city’s levy base — roughly $6,255.70 — and would translate to less than $1 per household on average.
Staff described the technical basis for the levy adjustment and gave the dollar estimate and per‑household approximation. Councilmembers and residents asked whether the additional revenue would be directed to law enforcement, general city services, or community events such as fireworks and holiday lighting. Several councilmembers emphasized fiscal restraint and questioned whether the small revenue gain justified raising the levy.
One council member recommended redirecting any modest revenue to support law enforcement contracts; another said the same money could be used for community events and infrastructure. Multiple speakers advocated a 0% increase on the grounds that Deer Park has discretionary funds and that raising the levy should be a last resort. A motion for a 0% rate on the levy was made, seconded and approved by voice vote during the meeting.
The ordinance was presented as a first reading and will come back to council for a second reading and final adoption. No formal roll‑call vote tally was recorded in the meeting transcript; the voice vote on the motion passed.
