Vote For Dwayne Hall

It was quick work for the Texarkana, Texas, City Council as only three citizens attended a tax increase hearing Thursday night.

Dwayne Hall, who owns property on both sides of Texarkana’s state line, implored Texas-side officials to look at all other revenue options before increasing property taxes 6 cents.

“We’ve got a lot of people out there on fixed incomes and they don’t get a raise in their check,” Hall said. “Everyone’s cost is going up, including their household costs.”

Hall’s input was echoed by one other citizen, who expressed disappointment that so few residents attended the hearing.

City Manager Larry Sullivan listed some financial cuts the city has made, including eliminating almost half a million dollars in personnel. But there were also unforeseen expenses, such as fuel costs and retirement plan adjustments required by the state.

“Cities may be getting hit harder proportionally with inflation than some other entities have. I think part of that is the fact so much of what we use is petroleum based,” Sullivan said. “Be it asphalt or water pipe, it seems like all of those have escalated from 150 to 180 percent over the last year. That’s been a tough piece to swallow.”

Sullivan said the city’s total needs are about $250 million and the city is beginning to slowly chip away at that.

“Realistically, for the city to first catch up and then continue to provide outstanding services to our citizens, there is going to have to be some revenue,” he said.

The 6-cent increase will take the charge for a $50,000 home from $263.25 to $291.55. On a home valued at $100,000, the cost will be $583.10, up from $526.50.

Another public hearing on the tax rate is set for 6 p.m. Monday in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 220 Texas Blvd.

Tax rate hearing poorly attended