Property Tax Relief, But Only for Some: Small Texas Cities and Counties Exempted From Bill

AUSTIN — Republican leaders promised tax relief for property owners this year, but that relief might be less significant for Texans in small cities and counties.More than half of counties and the vast majority of cities would be exempted from priority legislation to cap property tax revenue growth for cities and counties at 2.5 percent a year. The companion bills filed in the House and Senate last week to alleviate overburdened taxpayers has a carve-out for taxing entities that collect less than $15 million in combined sales tax and property tax revenue.Under the bill, local governments could exceed the cap by holding an election. The current cap on property tax growth for local governments is 8 percent, at which point voters can petition for an election.Some 154 of the 254 Texas counties — home to over 1.8 million people — would be exempt from the proposed changes. Also, 1,082 of 1,222 cities — where 4.3 million people live — are exempt, according to a review of data collected by the Texas Municipal League and the Texas Association of Counties.  Continue reading...