WHITEHOUSE, Texas — The city of Whitehouse will hold a special election this November that would change how the city's taxes are reported to the state and how current tax dollars are used in Whitehouse.
On Nov. 7, residents will not only vote for statewide constitutional amendments but also a proposition that if passed would create more transparency on the amount of property taxes collected, direct more existing funds to economic development and reduce the impact of government regulations from Austin.
According to the city, the purpose of Proposition A is to change how the city taxes are reported to the state and how funds from taxes can be spent in the city of Whitehouse.
"Right now, the city of Whitehouse reports a certain percentage of our sales taxes to the state as both sales taxes and property taxes, essentially resulting in us over-reporting our property tax collection," Mayor James Wansley said. "Because state regulations examine how much a city collects in property taxes and the State imposes restrictions based on the amount collected, Proposition A will allow the city to avoid burdensome regulations by simply reporting our current processes more transparently," he continued.
If passed, Proposition A would add more money to economic development allowing for further investment into community improvements. The city said this would lead to attracting new businesses, improving public services and creating job opportunities.
Officials said the proposition will not increase the tax rate, and city of Whitehouse leaders are committed to continuing to decrease the property tax rate.
"Our city team has done an excellent job of keeping budgets efficient and effective, and the council has been able to decrease the property tax rate over the last two annual budgets," Wansley said. "We will continue to find ways to be good stewards of the tax dollars entrusted to us and reduce taxes while providing a great return on investment for our residents," he concluded.
More information about the tax election can be found here: whitehousetx.org/274/2023-Special-Election.