Houston ISD considers property tax hike to cover $15M in storm repairs
If approved, the higher rate would be applied beginning with the 2025 tax year, meaning homeowners would not see the change on their bills until next year.
The Houston Independent School District could raise property taxes to pay for millions of dollars in storm repairs, and the board is scheduled to vote on Wednesday.
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HISD officials say the district needs funds to help recoup nearly $9.5 million in damage caused by Hurricane Beryl and to address other storm-related repairs. The district’s total repair tab has exceeded $15 million, officials said.
The board is considering raising the tax rate from about 85 cents to nearly 88 cents per $100 of taxable value — a roughly 3 percent increase. HISD would use a state provision nicknamed “disaster pennies,” which allows school districts to increase the tax rate after a natural disaster without putting the measure to voters.
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District leaders say the revenue would be directed to roof and building repairs across Houston schools. But questions remain about how much the rate increase would raise and how much of the cost could be paid through insurance or federal aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
HISD estimates the proposed increase would add about $90 a year for the average homeowner. For example, a homeowner with a $300,000 house could see roughly a $90 rise in annual property taxes if the change is approved and takes effect for the 2025 tax year.
If approved, the higher rate would be applied beginning with the 2025 tax year, meaning homeowners would not see the change on their bills until next year.
