Highland Village property tax rate likely unchanged for upcoming fiscal year

Highland Village City Council members are looking to keep the same property tax rate for fiscal year 2020-21.

The city committed to a rate of no higher than $0.56302 per $100 in appraised value, according to discussion at an Aug. 11 meeting.

The council also heard a preliminary report on the upcoming budget, largely focusing on the utility budget and general fund.

Cuts were made in anticipation of a difficult year, and unanticipated funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act will give some relief to Highland Village, according to city staff. However, more cuts may become necessary in the coming years, Assistant City Manager Ken Heerman said.

"I would rather be ahead of the game than be playing catch up," Heerman said. "I think we're well positioned, and we've been very responsible with where we're at, but we will have to take it a step further in the near future."

The council will continue discussions on the budget in future meetings and have set a public hearing on the tax rate and the fiscal year budget for Sept. 8.