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T O P I C     R E V I E W Stacy F Richard: Why are they holding a public hearing next Tuesday to raise City taxes? I think Allen taxes are quite high enough......why are they trying to raise them even higher? Please explain!! I am very disturbed by this news. richardb Stacy: We're all in the same boat when it comes to property taxes. The city council pays taxes like everyone else, so we're as concerned as any other citizen. First off, the city tax rate for next year's budget was lowered by the city for the eigth year in a row. The reason taxes are going up are property values, done by the Central Appraisal District for Collin County. Property values are rising in Allen (Collin County) due to the market and so many wanting to move this direction. True, the amount of taxes we all pay will increase, but not because the city of Allen raised taxes, because it didn't. The Central Appraisal District of each county was voted in by a state election in 1980 (I believe that was the year). With Allen growing at the rate it is, so is the cost of doing business. City services, Police, Fire and Paramedic staffing all have to increase to provide the service and reliability we have come to expect. Also consider the other immenities that provide the quality of life in Allen which has attracted many of us to make this our homes. Even though the cost of operating the city has risen substantially, for the eigth year in a row, the tax rate has been lowered. This is not an easy feat and city staff and council worked many hours to hammer out next year's budget without a tax rate increase. If you disagree with the appraised value the Appraisal District placed on your property, you can appeal directly to their agency and appear before a Board of Equalization to present your case. Fact is, property values are rising, not the tax rate, which is the only thing city and council have any control of. It may not present the best scenario as far as taxes go, but if you went to sell your house, then you would be glad values have risen, not fallen. For comparison, the tax rate has been lowered 26% over the past eight years by the city. After a budget and tax rate is approved, the State requires a public meeting be held so questions by citizens can be asked. Last year, due to timing, two public meetings were held on the proposed tax rate. No one appeared before council on either night. The appraised value on my home increased 18% over last year, which means the amount of property tax I pay will increase also. My home is my biggest investment. If the appraised value dropped 18%, then I would have a major concern. Stacy F Okay I understand that a little better. Increased property value is good! Why do they hold a public hearing though if the decision has already been made? If citizens appear, what is the benefit? I guess I don't understand that still. richardb The tax rate has been approved, but can't be adopted by council until after the State required public meetings are held. Basically, it gives citizens the opportunity to ask questions, such as the one you ask me. It's required by law. After the public meetings, then the tax rate can be officially adopted at the next council meeting. Stacy F Okay, I see Richard. Thanks for the helpful info! dclark What a greeting to Allen. I show up and up go taxes. I suppose as long as my property value goes up, I won't complain. Got a nice welcome to Allen package from the city. Had all sorts of helpful phone numbers, etc. Nice touch. Love being here so far.