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Los Fresnos’ property tax rate to remain unchanged
- Updated: August 20, 2020
By TONY VINDELL
LFN
LOS FRESNOS – A city property tax rate of 0.715 per every $100 of assessed valuation was approved recently by the Los Fresnos City Council. The rate remained the same as it has been for the past 14 years.
The council approved the measure during its Tuesday, Aug. 11 meeting.
By keeping the rate unchanged, the city avoided having to put the issue before the voters, meaning a costly election will not need to be held in order to approve or reject an increase in the property tax rate.
City Manager Mark Milum said the city has been using the same rate since 2006.
The council also approved allocating $87,000 in excess funds from its 2019-20 fiscal year to buy a patrol vehicle, a digital fingerprint system and miscellaneous computer equipment.
Milum said the funds are there and recommended to approve his request rather than to wait for the next fiscal year.
In other actions, the council acknowledged the Cameron County Appraisal District’s certification of the 2020 tax roll. The city has an appraised value of more than $291 million.
It also approved submitting a resolution to the Texas Water Development Board Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, authorizing and approving a publication of notice of intention to issue more than $3.2 million in certificates of obligation for infrastructure projects.
The council could not agree, however, on an action to increase a new rate for garbage carts. Milum said he was recommending a $2.50 increase per month, but several councilmembers said this was not a time to make taxpayers pay more in light of today’s situation with the pandemic.
Councilman Ray Ortiz suggested to charge $1.25 percent a month for six months and another $1.25 a month after that.
Milum repeatedly said he was sticking to his recommendation but added it was up to the council to approve any changes to the current fee. The council opted to table the matter until a budget workshop is held later on.
Finally, the council approved to sponsor the Cameron County Livestock Show and Fair with $6,000, and to support the 2021 Los Fresnos Rodeo.
