This is how high property taxes and utility costs in Corpus Christi are likely to be this year
Decisions about how much taxes, fees and charges Corpus Christi residents will pay next year are imminent – and the public still has the opportunity to comment on how these prices will develop.
Tuesday is expected to mark the first of two City Council votes to determine how much it costs taxpayers to live within city limits, including property taxes and utilities.
Although fees, rates and taxes are proposed by City staff, in the past the Council has sometimes approved different rates, fees and taxes than those originally proposed.
The budget must be passed before the start of the fiscal year on October 1. A second and final vote on the budget is scheduled for the September 10 meeting.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s being considered for basic utilities and homeownership. The proposed property taxes, fees and charges are based on available budget documents for Tuesday’s meeting.
Property taxes
Proposed property tax: About 60 cents per $100 valuation
Current property tax: The same, about 60 cents per $100 valuation
During initial budget discussions, the City Council decided that the property tax rate in fiscal year 2024-25 should not be higher than the current property tax rate, which is approximately 60 cents per $100 of assessed value.
The resolution, passed earlier this summer, means officials can vote on whether to keep the tax rate the same or cut it.
Although the proposed property tax rate would be the same as last year, residents may still pay more depending on whether their property value increases or decreases and whether they qualify for the newly expanded property tax exemptions.
The city is expected to increase its revenue if authorities maintain the current rate for the coming year.
The reasons for this are generally the addition of new properties to the tax rolls and the increasing values of some existing properties.
Among other things, council members could decide to introduce a so-called “no-new revenue council,” which would generate the same revenue as the previous year.
This year, the rate of missing new revenue is about 57 cents per $100, according to city officials.
If council members seek a lower tax rate than the proposed 60 cents per $100, the city’s preliminary budget of $1.8 billion would have to be cut to fit within the limits of the lower property tax revenues.
Water charges
Entry into force: 1 January
Suggested water bill for a typical residential customer within city limits: 37,29 €
Current water bill for a typical private customer in the city: $39.06
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what each customer pays for water supply. Bills are determined by a sometimes complex combination of meter size, amount of water consumed and customer classification.
The city administration defines the typical residential customer as someone who uses about 22,000 liters of water per month.
Wastewater charges
Entry into force: 1 January
Proposed sewer bill for a typical residential customer within city limits: $59.32
Current wastewater bill for a typical private customer in the city: $54.64
Tariffs vary depending on the amount of wastewater, but the city administration estimates that a typical private customer uses about 19,000 liters of wastewater per month.
Rainwater fee
Entry into force: 1 October
Suggested rainwater fee for a typical residential customer: $10.32
Current stormwater charges for a typical private customer: $8.84
Fees are based on a “tiered system” based on the square footage of sealed area on a particular property. The city defines a typical residential customer as someone whose property has between 3,000 and 4,000 square feet of sealed area.
How to comment on proposed tariffs, fees and taxes
Citizens have two opportunities to comment on the proposed property tax rates and the costs of basic municipal services before they are adopted.
While a formal public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, citizens will be able to voice their opinions on the property tax – as well as all other budget items – a second time when the final vote takes place on September 10.
The City Council meets Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 1201 Leopard St.
The public comment session begins at noon.
Information on how to register for in-person or remote public comment is available on the City Secretary’s website at www.cctexas.com/departments/city-secretary.
More: A decision on property taxes in Corpus Christi is imminent. Here is the rate in the first discussions.
More: A new budget proposal from the city of Corpus Christi would keep the Garcia Library open
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(710x255:712x257)/reba-mcentire-emmys-2024-tout-091524-7b3877dc0e494f46a10d01ec9ad6719c.jpg "Reba McEntire shines on the 2024 Emmys red carpet: See her look")
