COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – The College Station City Council will take final consideration and vote on the proposed tax rate and budget at its meeting Thursday.

The city wants to approve a budget of around $540 million and a tax rate of $0.513086 per $100 of value.

City leaders said this was necessary to keep pace with rapid growth.

“I’m glad we have the funds and the citizens have provided them so we can move forward on a number of park projects, road construction, etc.,” said College Station Mayor John Nichols.

Although the budget is increasing compared to last year, the tax rate remains unchanged. However, this does not necessarily mean that less taxes are being paid. Rising property values ​​mean that more money is coming out of taxpayers’ pockets, regardless of the unchanged tax rate.

“As we experience incredible growth, the city budget must grow with it and it is our duty to ensure that we do that in the most fiscally responsible way we can,” said City Councilman Bob Yancy.

The budget and tax rates are not the only financial issues that are up for vote. The fee structure will also be voted on.

These are costs for things like permits, electricity and water, and city pool tickets. Residents may have to expect higher utility bills, as a 1.9% increase has been proposed.

If the council approves these items, they will take effect at the beginning of the city’s next fiscal year.

“On October 1, this budget will go into effect and then the tax rate and utility rate changes will also go into effect,” said Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Kersten.

Public hearings on the budget and tax rate will be held before the vote. The public meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in College Station City Hall.

Residents who would like to discuss the budget or tax rate can register online until 2 p.m. Thursday.

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