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Lubbock City Council considering new budget, new property tax rate - KCBD
Lubbock City Council is deep in budget discussions, considering a new property tax rate that directly impacts every homeowner across the 806.
Government data shows prices have increased over 3.5% since last summer. This means the proposed raise won't fully keep up with inflation for many city workers, creating a real income challenge right here in Lubbock. Public safety expenses, including police and fire department funding, represent another significant piece of the financial puzzle council members are working through near Buddy Holly Hall downtown.
For residents, this means potential shifts in property tax bills, affecting household budgets from Tech Terrace to neighborhoods out by Raintree. City employees, from those maintaining our parks near 19th Street to administrative staff, will feel the financial squeeze if their pay raises don't match rising everyday expenses. The council's final vote determines how much we all pay and what level of city services we receive, from our streets to local recreation centers.
The council's budget aims to provide raises for employees, yet inflation rates currently outpace those proposed increases by a noticeable margin, affecting hundreds of local families.