LONGVIEW, Texas — The Longview City Council on Thursday voted to delay approving the city budget and tax rate due to fee increases and lingering questions.
The over $215 million budget, which includes about $95.5 million in the general fund, with a tax rate of 56.19 cents per $100 valuation was on the agenda for approval Thursday.
However after a lengthy discussion, councilmembers voted to table the vote until there are updates to the budget.
Councilwoman Michelle Gamboa is one of four members who raised concerns over the budget and voted to push back the discussion.
"I believe that it's in the public's best interest to talk about this budget in detail, so that they see we're being responsible with their funds," Gamboa said. "We're not always going to agree on the route that we take there. But from my perspective, I believe that it's our duty and responsibility, especially when there's economic hardship or times of volatility. It's our job to focus on needs, not necessarily wants."
The move resets the city's budget calendar, with the council now planning another work session.
Currently, the city charter requires the budget to be adopted at least 10 days before the end of the fiscal year, which is Sept. 20. State law requires the tax rate to be set by Sept. 29.
According to a previous budget presentation, the water and wastewater rates in the city of Longview have not increased in five years (since the 2019-20 budget year). The rates increased to maintain the level of service that residents are accustomed to having.
For example, a typical residential bill for their combined water and wastewater bill could go from $42.70 to $44.15, which would be a 3.4% increase.
Challenges in creating the 2024-25 budget included inflation rates, supply chain pressures on prices, and statutory limitations in growth of revenue, which is currently capped at 3.5%.
Read more about the budget from our news partners, the Longview News-Journal.