Taxes

Odessa Residents Defeat Major Tax Hike

Odessa Residents Defeat Major Tax Hike

Although initially proposing a major property tax hike, Ector County Hospital Board decided to withdraw from their proposal after almost 50 residents attended a public hearing to express their opposition to the tax hike. The board, instead, passed a tax rate slightly lower than the effective rate.

Midland ISD 2016 Tax Ratification Election

Midland ISD 2016 Tax Ratification Election

Midland ISD’s School Board has proposed a tax rate increase from $1.04 to $1.09 per $100 property valuation, which triggers the need for citizen approval under state law. The Special Election will be held on Saturday, October 8th and early voting will run September 21st through October 4th.

Odessa Hospital Hiked Property Taxes to Acquire Unnecessary Land

Odessa Hospital Hiked Property Taxes to Acquire Unnecessary Land

The Ector County Hospital Board has proposed a major tax hike for property owners that would generate approximately $2 million in additional revenue for the hospital. The increase is needed to “save lives”, according a hospital leaders. However, just weeks prior to the tax increase proposal, board members approved a $2 million land for no specific reason besides “future growth”.

Midland ISD 2016 Tax Ratification Election

Midland ISD Opts for Low Voter Turnout in Tax Election

The Midland ISD School Board has voted to place a tax increase election before local voters. However, instead of maximizing voter turnout by holding the election on November 8th, they opted for a special election on October 8th, 2016. If history is any indication, the voter turnout will be dismal.

GOP Activists Want Local Debt Reform

GOP Activists Want Local Debt Reform

More than 91 percent of Republican delegates voted to support a series of ballot transparency reforms. Unfortunately, despite a near super-majority of Republican legislators in both chambers, absolutely no progress has been made on this issue. Even if partially...