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NewsNoticias Tampa Bay (Univision)August 18, 2026Hillsborough

El Paso City Council approves 2027 budget and property tax rate

The El Paso City Council approved a 2027 fiscal budget and set a property tax rate of 79.8 cents per $100 of taxable value. This change will result in an average annual property tax increase of $105 for homeowners.

budgetproperty taxpublic safetymunicipal financeinfrastructure
Read the full story at Noticias Tampa Bay (Univision)

Why It Matters

The approved budget dictates city service funding levels and increases the annual property tax burden for the average El Paso homeowner by $105 starting in the 2027 fiscal year.

Key Facts

  • The new property tax rate is 79.8 cents per $100 of taxable value.
  • The average homeowner will pay $105 more per year, or $8.75 per month.
  • The General Fund budget is set at approximately $658.6 million.
  • Public safety (Police and Fire) receives $371 million, the largest portion of the budget.
  • 18 police positions and 19 fire positions are moving from federal funding to the city's General Fund.
  • The city identified $27 million in recurring savings before raising taxes.
  • The city eliminated or de-funded approximately 75% of vacant staff positions.
  • Debt restructuring will save $2 million in fiscal year 2027.
  • State-mandated property tax exemptions will reduce city revenue by $33.4 million in 2027.
  • Debt payments for infrastructure projects, including the Community Progress bond, will increase by $4.3 million.
  • The budget does not use the General Fund's unrestricted balance to cover recurring operating expenses for the first time in three years.

Who's Mentioned

organizationNoticias El Paso (KINT)“News outlet that reported the budget approval.”organizationEl Paso City Council“Governing body that approved the budget and tax rate.”personDionne Mack“City Manager who noted the identification of $27 million in savings.”