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Richland Hills staff present tax‑rate scenarios and recommend using debt‑service balance to limit increases
Summary
City staff presented three tax‑rate scenarios, including the de minimis rate (0.6000068). Staff recommended applying debt‑service fund balance to lower the I&S component and reduce the immediate tax impact on homeowners.
City staff presented updated certified values and three tax‑rate scenarios as part of the FY2027 revenue discussion. Jason told council that certified values increased about $844,000 and walked through the no‑new‑revenue, voter‑approval and de minimis alternatives; he said, "0.6000068 is the total de minimis rate."
Jason explained the effect on the median homestead: "It's $241,001.73. ... That's about a $220 difference," he said, describing how the de minimis scenario would change the city portion of property tax for a typical homeowner. To limit immediate increases, staff recommended using approximately $745,000 in the debt‑service fund balance to buy down the I&S portion and keep the total rate closer to current levels.
Council members expressed preferences and questions about petition windows and timelines for a potential voter challenge under the de minimis provision; staff noted petition thresholds and upcoming publication and hearing steps as part of the August tax‑hearing schedule.
