The details
The proposed tax rate will increase by $0.0035, from $0.3465 to $0.35 per $100 of property valuation. However, this increase is partially offset by the City Council's decision to raise the residential homestead exemption to 15%, according to city council documents.
Utility rate increases were also recommended to sustain the water and wastewater utilities and implement infrastructure projects. Residents can expect a $3 per month increase for 10,000 gallons of water usage and a $0.99 increase in residential solid waste services, according to a presentation.
Additionally, the fiscal year 2023-24 budget includes funding for key projects, such as the new Public Safety & Public Services Building Rehabilitation Center, Emergency Operations Center and Public Safety Dispatch Center, according to city documents.
Zooming out
Sugar Land City Council recently approved a 2% increase in the residential homestead exemption in June, aiming to alleviate the tax burden on residents. The proposed tax rate of $0.35 per $100 was discussed and endorsed after a public hearing Sept. 12. This rate will lead to an average increase of $108.23 per year or $9.02 per month for the average residential tax bill, according to city documents.
The Sugar Land City Charter mandates the budget must be adopted by ordinance no later than the 25th day of the last month of the fiscal year.
