West University Place City Council and staff are considering collecting additional revenue compared to last year through a proposed tax rate that would account for rising costs and potential growth in service demands.

“It can be lowered, but it can’t be increased,” Finance Director Marie Kalka said at the Aug. 11 council meeting. “This is why we go with the voter-approval rate as the maximum rate.”

The proposed 2025 property tax rate City Council unanimously approved for potential adoption was a 3.5% increase over the no-new-revenue rate, or $0.229441 per $100 of home valuation, according to agenda documents.

Officials said the extra revenue would maintain current service levels in operations, including public safety, infrastructure and community programs.

What’s next

The city will hold public hearings for both the FY 2025-26 budget and tax rates at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at the city’s municipal building located at 3800 University Blvd. Approval and adoption for both items are slated for Sept. 22.