The City of Houston has voted not to raise property taxes.
The city council voted unanimously to keep the tax rate at $0.519190 on each $100 of taxable capital—leaving the number unchanged from last year.
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A press release on the decision came from the Office of Vice Mayor Pro Tem Amy Peck, who said that Houston’s reputation as an affordable destination played a factor in the city’s vote.
“The cost of living is low, and there has been predictability in costs,” Peck said. “Our tax base will leave if we make it more expensive, and people will reconsider opening new businesses if we increase taxes and take away the very reason people chose to be here.”
The proposed tax hike was linked to the city’s need for disaster relief after the destruction of the May derecho and Hurricane Beryl across Harris County. However, Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s decision to give the city an additional $50 million in cleanup funding was beneficial to that cause.
Peck commended Houston Mayor John Whitmire and the governor for their roles in making this unanimous vote possible.
“I want to thank Mayor Whitmire for his work to keep our taxes low. I commend Governor Abbott for providing $50 million in emergency funds to assist with ongoing efforts for debris removal for Hurricane Beryl and the Derecho storm.”