El Paso City Approves Lowest Tax Rate County Raises Property Taxes

El Paso City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and set the lowest property tax rate in ten years, at $0.759649 per $100 of property value, aiming to reduce debt and increase exemptions for seniors and disabled residents. In contrast, El Paso County Commissioners voted to raise the property tax rate to $0.458889 per $100 to cover state mandates, voter-approved projects, and costs related to Governor Abbott’s immigration enforcement efforts, which have financially burdened the county. The tax increase is expected to cost the average homeowner about $137 annually and primarily aims to replenish county reserves and maintain essential services. Meanwhile, Bexar County is maintaining a stable property tax rate below 30 cents per $100 valuation, benefiting from conservative spending and growth in property values, while also approving pay raises for county law enforcement and other officials. In Minnesota, Wadena County is preparing to hold a public hearing on renewing a half-percent transportation sales tax, which funds road maintenance and helps reduce the local levy by including contributions from non-residents. These varied fiscal decisions reflect local governments' balancing acts between managing budgets, responding to state mandates, and addressing residents' needs amid changing economic pressures.