Williamson County Residents Brace for Significant Property Tax Hikes in 2024

AUSTIN-Property taxes in Williamson County are anticipated to increase as nearly every municipality in the region proposes increases to accommodate accelerated growth. 

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City governments may increase property tax rates by up to 3.5% without voter approval; however, any increase exceeding this threshold necessitates a vote in November.

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Round Rock City Council is proposing an increase from its current No New Revenue Rate of 33.15 cents, which would generate the same revenue as the previous year. "To maintain the same revenue, you would actually need to roll your tax rate back, which can be quite confusing," stated Sara Bustilloz, Round Rock's communication and marketing director.

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Specifically, Round Rock is considering an 8.6% increase, which would result in an additional $9 per month for inhabitants. "About half of that increase is allocated for voter-approved bond projects from the May 2023 bond election, while the other half is for staffing and equipment," according to Bustilloz. 

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Relatedly, residents would pay $14 more each month if the Hutto City Council raises property taxes by 15%. This raise is recommended as the city faces over 8% yearly population growth and prepares for big developments like the Samsung project.

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Councilmember Randy Clark shares that roads, wastewater, and infrastructure projects are needed for population growth. 

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The council voted 3–4 against the hike. The budget worried Mayor Mike Snyder, who opposed the tax hike. "If we're not cutting out the fat, then I'm not raising a dollar on anybody's taxes until our budget is trimmed," said Snyder.

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The hike is part of a larger issue about supporting necessary services and infrastructure to handle Hutto's rapid growth.

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It is recommended that residents remain informed and attend forthcoming public hearings to express their opinions as local governments negotiate these proposed tax increases. 

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This potential increase in property taxes is indicative of the persistent difficulties associated with managing growth and providing sufficient services in swiftly developing regions of Williamson County.

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