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Hall announced his support for lowering Houston’s property tax rate to about .61 cents per $100 dollars taxable value.
Julia Smekalina is his press secretary.
“The city could actually maintain the revenue that they need, while saving the taxpayers $34 million dollars. This is exactly the type of pro-growth, future-thinking policies that we need, to ensure the future success of the city and promote additional economic investment and job growth.”
Since property values have increased by 4 percent over the last year, Smekalina says maintaining last year’s tax rate is like a tax increase on Houstonians.
“We should be looking at opportunities to lower the tax burden within Houston city limits, so we can drive investment, encourage businesses to place their footprint here, as opposed to outside Houston city limits.”
Mayor Annise Parker sees it differently.
“Because we are a growing city, we are bringing in more revenue, but we have kept the tax rate level as a commitment to the taxpayers of being prudent with our budgeting.”
Parker adds Houston’s growth also calls for an increase in services for people moving to the city. In a statement released from her office, Parker said if elected, Hall has already proposed spending plans that would actually increase taxes.