Fort Worth city staff are proposing a half-cent increase in the property tax rate for Fiscal Year 2025, aiming to sustain the quality of services and programs. This would be the first property tax rate hike in nearly 30 years.
According to a city spokesperson, there have been extended periods without tax increases since 1995, though there have been no recent hikes.
City Manager David Cooke noted that the proposed increase would result in an additional $60 annually for the typical homeowner. This estimate is based on a property valued at $285,000 in FY 2024, projected to increase to $294,399 in FY 2025, with a 20% homestead exemption.
Cooke highlighted that the city’s budget growth has slowed compared to previous years. “This year’s general fund growth is half of what it was last year,” he said during a budget work session with city council members.
He also pointed out slower growth in property values and a $4 billion decrease in net taxable assessed value, which impacts tax rates. The majority of the proposed tax increase would fund street maintenance, with $3.5 million allocated to a new ambulance service.
To manage costs, the city has considered budget cuts, including eliminating some vacant positions.
Mayor Pro-Tem Gyna Bivens expressed a desire to improve efficiency across city departments, including development services.
District 10 City Councilmember Alan Blaylock, a long-time advocate for lower property taxes, stated he remains committed to reducing the tax burden while supporting public safety and infrastructure improvements. “Affordability is a major concern, and I will continue to push for lower taxes while balancing other priorities,” he said.
Darfetta Muhammad voiced concern about how the tax increase would affect her 81-year-old mother on a fixed income. “Even an extra $60 or $50 makes a difference for someone on a fixed income,” she said. She and her mother are already dealing with higher property taxes and have had to cut back on discretionary spending.
The Muhammads plan to attend community meetings to discuss the tax increase and its impacts. The scheduled meetings are as follows:
– Wednesday, Aug. 21, 6 p.m., Southwest Community Center
– Thursday, Aug. 22, 6 p.m., Eagle Mountain Saginaw Admin. Building
– Monday, Aug. 26, 6 p.m., Highland Hills Community Center
– Tuesday, Aug. 27, 6 p.m., Northside Community Center
– Wednesday, Aug. 28, 6 p.m., Chisolm Trail Community Center
– Thursday, Aug. 29, 6 p.m., Basswood Elementary School
– Wednesday, Sept. 4, 6 p.m., Handley/Meadowbrook Community Center
– Thursday, Sept. 5, 6 p.m., Como Community Center
– Saturday, Sept. 7, 11 a.m., Riverside Community Center
– Monday, Sept. 9, 6 p.m., Blue Haze Elementary School
– Wednesday, Sept. 11, 6 p.m., Truett Wilson Middle School
– Thursday, Sept. 12, 6 p.m., Virtual Meeting
City council members will also hold additional budget work sessions open to the public on Aug. 27, Sept. 5, and Sept. 6. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Sept. 10, with a separate hearing on the tax rate set for Sept. 17. The council will vote on the proposed tax rate on Sept. 17.
