Property taxes

The fiscal 2026 budget would increase police and fire funding by $63.1 million as the city works to comply with a voter-approved public safety spending mandate.

The measure would lower the percentage increase in property tax revenue larger cities and counties can tap for operations without seeking voter approval.

Legislation that would put a tighter limit on property tax increases for larger cities and counties advanced out of a Senate committee on Friday.

The city council signed off on an $810 million debt sale, while it considers asking voters for a property tax rate increase this year to address budget gaps.

Port Freeport's decision to go property tax-free resulted in a revenue bond rating downgrade from S&P and raised disclosure questions.

The legislature, which returns to respond to recent floods, could also take up bills to curb local property taxes, including bills aimed at bond issuance.

Tardy annual financial audits could strip Texas cities of their ability to raise property tax rates under a state law that takes effect Sept. 1.

Indiana's Senate Enrolled Act 1 raises questions about local income tax-backed bonds, appearing to lack protections for bondholders as currently written.

Municipal bond issuers in the state dodged a barrage of bills in this year's legislative session seeking to constrain their debt sales.

Some bills seeking to restrain local government debt issuance are still alive as the Texas Legislature's 2025 session heads towards its home stretch.

The $839.5 million Harris County Hospital District bond sale will tap $2.5 billion of voter-approved debt authorization for a $3.2 billion expansion project.

Legislation would overhaul Dallas Area Rapid Transit's financial structure in a way that could impact outstanding debt and derail bonds for Austin light rail.

The law Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed earlier this month will make it harder for local governments and school districts to issue bonds.

The Ohio House's proposed cap on school districts' carryover balances at 30% of their annual operating costs has drawn praise and criticism.

Mayor John Whitmire said phased-in funding under an agreement with plaintiffs who successfully sued the city will help address a budget shortfall.

A city-created corporation plans to issue bonds for the mass transit project, paid off with a voter-approved hike in the maintenance and operations property tax.

Moody's is the latest rating agency to warn about a budget squeeze for Texas schools, which have been prolific issuers of voter-approved bonds in recent years.

Texas officials are eying ways to protect a massive state-funded school property tax cut from being eroded by local bond issues and tax increases.

The study comes as the city faces a growing structural budget deficit and shrinking reserves that led to negative bond rating outlooks.

A recent Texas Supreme Court decision will force the city to increase the amount of property tax revenue allocated to a dedicated drainage and street fund.