Texas county's tax hike could add about $90 to the average homeowner's bill

Waco-area residents could see homeownership costs rise if McLennan County approves a property tax increase, even though the City of Waco plans no change to its own rate.

For the median homeowner in Waco, figures cited by KXXV amount to roughly $90 more per year overall.

What's happening?

McLennan County is considering a 6-cent increase in its property tax rate, while Waco would leave its rate unchanged.

For a Waco home with a median value of $270,000, city officials said Waco's unchanged rate would cut about $70 from the annual tax bill. But the county proposal would add about $162 a year, leaving that same homeowner with a net increase of roughly $90.

Haus Realty broker Cory Duncan said the result "is about a $90 increase for the average homeowner."

County officials said the proposed increase is tied to public safety costs, employee recruitment and retention, inflation, state-mandated services, and infrastructure needs.

Before McLennan County adopts its budget and tax rate on Aug. 25, residents can comment at a public hearing set for Aug. 18. The City of Waco is also scheduled to hold its public hearing and vote at the Sep. 1 City Council meeting.

Why does it matter?

Property taxes add to the cost of homeownership. That burden can be especially hard on older residents living on fixed incomes and on households already struggling to remain in neighborhoods they have long called home.

At the same time, county leaders say the added revenue would help support essential services.

What's being done?

Local officials, meanwhile, are trying to balance two competing realities: the rising cost of operating government services and residents' ability to absorb higher housing expenses.

"We recognize that no one wants to see taxes increase," McLennan County Judge Scott Felton said. "This proposal reflects the reality of maintaining critical county services while continuing to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars."

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