Houston Mayor John Whitmire is considering a significant property tax increase to address a $86 million budget shortfall exacerbated by recent natural disasters, including the May derecho and Hurricane Beryl, and a $1.5 billion firefighter settlement. The city has explored various proposals, with potential increases ranging from 1.7 to 6.2 cents per $100 valuation, which could raise between $40 million and $119 million. Currently, Houston's property tax rate is at 0.51 cents, down from 0.63 cents a decade ago, and officials warn that without a tax hike, substantial cuts to city services may be necessary. The city can utilize a state law that allows tax increases in years when disasters are declared, a provision previously applied by former Mayor Sylvester Turner. If implemented, the average homeowner could see an increase of approximately $166 annually from the proposed 3.2-cent rise. Public hearings on the tax rate are expected before the October 28 deadline to finalize the decision.