City Council Chamber/Photo by Noah Dawson

Amarillo City Council has voted unanimously to propose a property tax rate of $0.43070, an increase from the current rate of $0.38195.

The proposed rate is the highest allowed under state law without requiring an election. If it receives final approval, it will be the highest city tax rate since the 2021-22 fiscal year, and the first rate increase since the 2020-21 fiscal year.

The vote followed numerous budget workshop meetings, which included concerns regarding budget shortfalls and a now axed proposal to add a “street fee” to water bills.

The council will have further votes on the tax rate on September 3rd and September 16th. The council does still have the ability to adopt a lower rate than the proposed rate, though they may not adopt a higher rate.