Are We Farmers, City Meeting Public Comments Portion Speaking on Proposition #4

Updated: October 27, 2023

Iris Garcia

Special to LFN

On Tuesday, October 10th, the Los Fresnos city commission held its monthly regular meeting at City Hall. During the open public comments, Mr. Antonio “Tony” Yzaguirre, Jr., Cameron County’s Tax Assessor-Collector shared information about Proposition #4. This is one of fourteen proposed constitutional amendments which are to appear on the ballot during the November 7 election.

What is Proposition #4? The bill was approved during the second special legislative session and corresponds to the deal struck by state lawmakers to lower property taxes in Texas. It will increase homestead exemptions from $40,000 to $100,000. This means “huge savings for tax payers”, says Mr. Yzaguirre. If it is passed at the voting polls, the proposed change would take effect for the tax year commencing on January 1, 2023.

Property tax bills have already been mailed out; property owners should receive those this week. The bill will include the $100,000 exemption already factored in. “If [proposition] doesn’t get approved, the tax office will send out a bill to collect the difference” after the elections, says Mr. Yzaguirre. But he is optimistic and believes Texas voters will vote in favor of this amendment— exemption.

He also added that it is still not too late to apply for the homestead exemption if you have not applied yet. Submit an application to the Appraisal District. Once it is approved, it will trigger a refund for the difference paid upfront. Yzaguirre also encourages tax payer to take advantage of the 3% discount for those who pay their property taxes early in October.

The commissioners also reviewed Action Item #1, which was a consideration and possible ACTION to award a bid to Texas Cordia Construction, the lowest responsible bidder, for Bid #2023-FM1847-01 (the FM 1847 Sidewalk Project). The recommendation to go with this bidder was approved by the council.

The city manager reported that the street by the Post Office is scheduled to resume this week. The delay was due to drainage issues, which are being re-engineered. He also mentioned that the street projects will also be starting soon. Barricades have already been put up, and they will work on streets that don’t have any sewer work first.