The proposed tax rate for the 2022-2023 fiscal year reflects a 5.98% increase but the rate itself is actually lower than last year. 

During a regular meeting Tuesday the council voted unanimously to approve the first readings of the 2022-2023 fiscal year budget and the de minimis tax rate of 0.81650/$100 valuation. Last year’s tax rate was 0.85180. 

The De Minimis rate would provide a proposed tax levy of $7,996,360. For the average homestead, that’s an increase of $40.83, which reflects the increase in property values. A presentation prepared by City of Plainview staff for the meeting shows property values are projected to increase by 12.84% from 2022 to 2023.  

The total proposed budget for the next fiscal year is $43.58 million with a reduced property tax rate. 

The budget and tax rate includes a 5% cost of living increase for city employees as well as two new positions – an information technology specialist and a vector maintenance position – as well as 10 part-time positions and financial room to move forward with several planned projects and equipment purchases. 

During the presentation on Tuesday, City Manager Jeffrey Snyder reviewed proposed investments for the new budget, which includes: an I-27 area development plan, downtown TIRZ, renovations to Kidsville, a new animal shelter, and improvements to streets, the airport, water and sewer and solid waste. Other highlights include the extension of Mesa Drive, relocation of the Health Department, construction of an inclusive playground at Broadway Park, improvements to the youth baseball field and the golf course cart path, new equipment for the fire department and completion of three more bond projects initially approved by voters in 2018. Those projects include Fire Station No. 2, renovations to the police station and construction/renovations to the baseball/softball complex at Regional Park. 

Council approved the first readings of the budget and tax rate with votes of 6-0. Council members Steve Martinez (District 2) and Evan Weiss (District 6) were absent. 

Utility rates will also experience an increase in the 2023 fiscal year, noted Snyder. It was recommended to Council to accept a 3% increase in step rate structure for utilities. 

Single family residential water use rates will remain the same at $2.12 per 0-2,000 gallons. Households that use 3,000 or more gallons will experience the increase in utility bills. 

The base rate for sewer will also remain the same ($13) but residential and commercial will experience a $0.06 increase.  

The second reading of the tax rate, budget and utility rates for the next fiscal year is scheduled for Sept. 27. If approved on that date, those rates will be adopted. That meeting will also be open to the public.

Ellysa Harris is the editor for the Plainview Herald.