El Paso City Council Is Looking At Raising Your Property Taxes

It’s budget talk time at the City again, and even though it’s boring, you might want to listen up. Your property taxes could go up, or down, depending on if you qualify for a specific exemption.

Back in 2011, City Council approved a tax exemption increase from $30,000 to $40,000 for disabled and senior residents to take effect in 2016. More than a third of El Paso property owners now qualify for that exemption, and under the proposed 2016 budget, their taxes would go down by $39. The other two-thirds of taxpayers would see an increase of $42.

The pay increase and health insurance for firefighters, debt and maintenance of the quality of life bond projects, and paying off a massive street improvement plan the city took on years ago would also contribute to the possible tax increase.

Council will vote on a 2016 budget next month, but not before having several budget sessions and public hearings.