Revenue from a proposed property tax increase by the City of Corpus Christi would be used to pay for residential street repair. The increase was approved by voters in the November General Election in 2016. Courtesy photo
UPDATE: FRIDAY, SEPT. 15, 2017
The tax-setting deadline for the City of Corpus Christi has been extended by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. The city has until Oct. 27 to set next year’s ad valorem tax rate and budget. The original deadline was Sept. 30. The city asked for an extension due to Hurricane Harvey.d
Story as published on Sept. 13, 2017
Two different governmental entities voted Sept. 12 to increase property taxes for Corpus Christi residents — one to pay for improved streets and the other to help with salary increases and a new police department. The city proposed a tax rate of $0.63 per $100 valuation, up from the current rate of $0.61. Del Mar College proposed a combined tax rate for the 2017-18 budget that is $0.26 per $100 valuation, an increase of $0.01 per $100 valuation.
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI
City Council members will need a waiver from the state to implement its proposed 2 cent increase, which would be dedicated to improving residential streets. The increase was approved by voters in the November General Election.
Because the city missed a Sept. 1 deadline to post its proposed tax rate, the city is asking Gov. Greg Abbott’s office for a deadline extension due to Hurricane Harvey.
Even with last year’s tax rate, which would remain in effect if the state does not grant an extension of the posting deadline, tax bills will be higher in 2018. Increased property values will bring in 3.11 percent more in tax revenues over the next year.
If the increase becomes final, the effect on the city’s budget would be an increase in revenue of 6.52 percent.
Two public hearings will be held before a final vote, which is scheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, at City Hall. Without an extension from the state, hearings will be held at 11:30 Friday, Sept. 22, and Monday, Sept. 25, both at City Hall, 1201 Leopard St.
DEL MAR COLLEGE
A tax increase is necessary to fund a 9 percent increase in budget expenditures from last year, according to the Board of Regents. The proposed increase equals 7.95 percent of the school’s higher expenditures.
Budget increases include a 6 percent raise in faculty salaries, a 3 percent raise for employees’ salaries, rising insurance premiums and funding for a new police department.
Average homeowners ($157,000) will pay an additional $20 for the year, according to Del Mar’s calculations. The tax rate comes in two parts: $0.20 per $100 valuation to fund maintenance and operations and $0.05 per $100 valuation for debt service.
