Addressing community concerns: Mesquite’s town hall on tax rate changes

In response to growing public interest, the City of Mesquite has organized two pivotal Town Hall Tuesday sessions. These sessions are intended to engage residents in discussions surrounding the upcoming Tax Rate Election.

The first meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. on September 26th at the Florence Recreation Center, with the address being 2501 Whitson Way, according to Dallas Metro News. Meanwhile, the subsequent gathering is scheduled for the same time, 6:30 p.m., on October 10th but will take place at the Rutherford Recreation Center, located at 900 Rutherford Drive.

The decision to host these forums stems from recent surveys, revealing that a majority of the community views street maintenance and public safety as critical areas of focus for Mesquite in the next five years. A significant 66% expressed concerns about the state of city roads, while a close 64% highlighted the importance of enhancing the quality of police and fire services.

Last August, reflecting a unified stance, the Mesquite City Council approved the city’s budget for 2023-24. This financial plan is comprehensive, covering not only road and alley repairs but also the addition of more police personnel. Furthermore, the budget makes provisions for a new fire station, adequately staffed and equipped, and introduces a new Behavioral Health Division.

However, to fund these ambitious projects, a rise in the local tax rate is required. This increase amounts to $0.03186 for every $100 of ad valorem value. As this hike exceeds the 3.5% tax cap set by the state, it requires approval from the voters. Consequently, residents will vote on Proposition A during the November 7 election. Those who wish to vote early can do so starting October 23.