Council sets maximum 2025 tax rate notice, schedules public hearing on budget and tax rate for Aug. 26

The Coppell City Council voted Aug. 12 to publish a maximum proposed tax rate of 0.444976 for the 2025 tax year and to set a public hearing and final vote on the budget and tax rate for the regular meeting on Aug. 26. The record vote required under Texas Tax Code §26.06 was described by city staff as part of the notice process; publication dates were set for Aug. 15 and Aug. 16 in local newspapers.

City staff member Hahn told the council the item “requests Council's consideration of approval of a maximum tax rate of 0.444976 for the 2025 tax year” and explained that the vote at this meeting was to publicize the maximum rate, not to adopt the rate. Hahn said the notice must be published at least five days prior to the hearing and that publication is scheduled in two local papers to reach more residents; when Council Member Nevills asked whether the Rambler is the official newspaper, staff confirmed it is the paper of record and said the Gazette is being used as additional local outreach.

Council members discussed budget pressures during the item. Council Member Carroll moved approval of the publication and hearing schedule and Council Member Nevills seconded; the motion passed unanimously. During discussion, Council Member Kamar noted staff proposed a reduction of about 7.5 full-time-equivalent positions in the draft budget and warned of multi-year structural gaps if the city only captured revenue increases from the 3.499% rate adjustment. “The city staff, to their credit, have tried to see that we need to reduce the cost of delivering the same value of services,” Kamar said. Council Member Hinojosa Smith and others thanked staff for prepared alternatives and responsiveness. The council set the public hearing and directed staff to proceed with the required public notices.