For the first time in Amarillo’s history, voters will have the final say on a proposed property tax increase.
Last week, the Amarillo City Council voted to place a proposed 24.48 percent property tax increase on the November general election ballot. The increase was passed by a council vote of 4-1, with newly elected Councilmember Cole Stanley casting the sole vote against the increase.
Because the approved rate of $0.48404 per $100 valuation exceeds the voter-approval tax rate of $0.44334, an election was unanimously ordered to officially decide the increase in November.
According to city officials, this tax hike would increase the annual property taxes on a home valued at $100,000 by about $60 per year. Officials say new funds raised by the increase would be put toward projects such as parks and public safety.
The election for this item will officially be held on November 2, 2021.