The Alpine City Council is preparing to tackle the significant matter of tax rates for the ensuing fiscal year. The topic, which has implications for several city endeavors and amenities, will be discussed at the City Council Chambers on Tuesday, September 5th at 5:30 PM. This gathering is poised to attract considerable local interest, with Mayor Catherine Eaves and Council Member Darin Nance already initiating a dialogue via social media.
In a Facebook post, Mayor Eaves illuminated the city’s fiscal trajectory since 2010. She remarked on the consistency of the tax rate, mentioning a slight increment in the 2020-2021 span from .53497 to .553753, which brought an added revenue of $18,113. The Mayor brought to the fore a range of projects, emphasizing the $5.6 million overhaul of the aging wastewater treatment plant, among other infrastructural and quality-of-life undertakings. Eaves asserted the community’s role in these financial decisions, stating, “The money the city brings in belongs to all of us. It is Our Pool of Money.” She beckoned residents to share their views on this pivotal matter at the upcoming City Council meeting.
Adding nuance to the discussion, Darin Nance, of Alpine City Council – Ward 3, offered insights on the city tax burden’s calculation. He clarified that it’s the product of one’s property’s taxable value and the tax rate determined by the city. By keeping the previous year’s tax rate of 0.466326, there could be a perceived elevation in many residents’ tax burden, chiefly due to anticipated increments in property valuations. An additional revenue of $546,548 is projected if this rate persists.
Nance also expanded on the No New Revenue (NNR) tax rate – a longstanding principle in Alpine’s fiscal approach. Set at 0.366647, this rate is designed to yield the same revenue as the previous year. Intriguingly, the adoption of this rate might even lead to a tax reduction for some citizens.
Highlighting the broader financial ecosystem, Nance reminded residents that city taxes only made up 22.4% of the total property tax burden last year. Other significant contributors include the school system, the county, and the Big Bend Regional Hospital District.
As the city gears up for this pivotal meeting, they urge citizens to familiarize themselves with the provided data, articulate their perspectives, and actively partake in the session on September 5th.
