Corpus Christi Mayor Joe McComb will be one of 18 mayors from across Texas expected to meet with Gov. Greg Abbott later this week to discuss items of concern on the current special legislative session agenda. The 30-day session began Tuesday, July 18, with an agenda of 20 items of what Abbot called unfinished business from the regular session earlier in the year.
The meeting was set up after McComb and his 17 peers sent a letter to Abbot protesting state efforts to curb local taxing and ordinance adopting authority.
“We believe that several of the proposals announced as part of the call for the 85th Special Legislative Session will directly impede the ability of Texas cities to provide vital services that reflect the priorities of local residents,” reads the letter. “We would like the opportunity to meet with you to discuss the role cities can play in attracting jobs and investments to support the prosperity of the state of Texas.”
The mayors hail from the state’s 18 largest cities, including El Paso, San Antonio, Houston and Dallas.
McComb is particularly worried about proposed property tax legislation that would reduce from 8 percent to 5 percent the amount an entity can increase taxes before triggering a rollback election. Another problem is a bill that would limit a municipality’s power of annexation.
He told reporters he planned to speak to Abbot about the “unintended consequences” of state legislators offering “a cookie cutter formula” for how to run a city.
“As mayors, we are dedicated to delivering quality services to our residents and attracting new businesses to move Texas forward,” reads the last paragraph of the letter. “We respectfully ask to schedule a meeting with you as soon as possible to discuss your specific concerns with Texas cities and how we can work together to ensure a productive partnership for Texas.”