Alert! State Legislation to Cap City Revenues?

Municipalities in Texas are very concerned that the State may enact laws that limit their ability to raise taxes on their citizens. The following is a headline from the Texas Municipal League:

"State-Imposed Revenue Mandates"

"Legislation (S.B. 156/S.J.R 14 and S.B. 182/H.B. 365) has already been filed to impose limitations on city property tax revenues.  The current proposals would provide minimal tax relief to city taxpayers, but they could be extremely detrimental to city revenue.

City officials can use League-prepared white papers on revenue caps and appraisal caps to make this point to their legislators."

One can see that cities are mobilizing to stop any state actions that will limit their ability to raise revenue.  This is the classic response of an organization that is more concerned about its power and prerogatives rather than the best interest of its constituents.

Our city is no different.  There are some City Council members who advise restraint on taking any position on any proposed legislation, while others seem ready to man the barricades against any legislation that would limit their power to raise revenue.


According to the Acting City Manager, the city has 3 staff members fully engaged with our legislators -- Schwertner, Gonzales, and Farney, and their staff.  In addition to following bills that may impact the city of Georgetown, it seems the City is working to introduce a "local" bill concerning the merger of the Georgetown water district with Chisholm Trail water district.  The substance of this proposed bill is unknown at this time.


The City needs to be engaged with legislators and staff to enact laws that protect and advance the rights of its citizens.  In particular, citizens want to decrease the role of government in their daily lives.  That means protecting their individual rights as well as reducing regulations and laws that restrict their ability to live a private, peaceful and productive life.  The City also needs to engage its citizens on these issues before the City Council takes a position on any proposed legislation.  This can be done through presenting the substance of proposed legislation in print media, the City's website, town-hall meetings, and other social media.


Let your city council person know that you want to be kept in the information loop so that actions they take truly represent you -- the taxpayer.