Mesquite council sets proposed tax rate at 0.73¢ and orders special election

The Mesquite City Council voted on Aug. 18 to set a proposed ad-valorem tax rate of 0.73¢ per $100 of assessed valuation and to call a special election on Nov. 4 to let voters decide. City staff said the 0.73¢ rate would fund a 5% merit increase for employees and add three police officers and two firefighters; the voter-approved fallback rate would still fund a 3% merit increase and maintain baseline services.

Finance staff explained the mechanics and legal requirements for setting a rate above the no-new-revenue threshold, and noted that changes to the budget motions were prepared to match the 0.73¢ proposal. The city’s finance director and city manager reviewed a multi‑fund budget that also includes a $1 increase to the drainage utility and a 7% utility fund increase tied to North Texas Municipal Water District costs.

Council members debated tradeoffs and outreach. Several members said the $5-per-month equivalent to the average household was a modest ask to preserve services, address inflationary pressures and keep staffing competitive; others urged clearer public communication to avoid the perception of a tax increase. The council approved the ordinance levying the tax 6–1 and passed the related resolution ordering the special election unanimously.

Key numbers and outcomes: staff estimated the proposed rate would raise taxes on a $100,000 home by about $39.61; the voter‑approved rate was identified as 70.46¢ and the difference to the proposed 0.73¢ was presented as roughly $5 per month for an average homeowner. Council and staff emphasized the deadlines for election timelines and a planned public-education campaign beginning after Labor Day.

Next steps: staff will implement an outreach plan (mailers, town halls, media) and finalize ballot language and motions needed for the election schedule.