Under the watchful eyes of Floresville Police Department Lt. Chad Clark, Floresville Mayor Daniel Tejada signs the collective bargaining agreement with the department Aug. 9.
Wilson County News August 15, 2012 2763 views 34 comments
FLORESVILLE -- The tax rate for citizens in Floresville will remain at 32.27 cents per $100 of appraised value, after the city council announced its plans for two public hearings to maintain the same tax rate from previous years. . . .
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Any more word on Gomez's resignation? Maybe he just wants to be sure he has the correct number of votes to support his replacement. No matter, he can rely on the mayor ... Read More
Any more word on Gomez's resignation? Maybe he just wants to be sure he has the correct number of votes to support his replacement. No matter, he can rely on the mayor to break the tie. We're waiting.
Steeler Fan; as far as I know, Mrs. Garza will begin her campaign next week after the filing date. Many people have already placed her signs in their yards and she will ... Read More
Steeler Fan; as far as I know, Mrs. Garza will begin her campaign next week after the filing date. Many people have already placed her signs in their yards and she will be distributing pamphlets that describe her leadership abilities, work experience and volunteer work. This info is also available on her website; check it out on www.dianagarzaformayor.com. Thanks for your interest. VOTE GARZA!
Spec Ops; that is exactly how it went down. I was there, we knew that was going to happen when Flores did not show up. Gomez did not give a reason, but we had it all figured ... Read More
Spec Ops; that is exactly how it went down. I was there, we knew that was going to happen when Flores did not show up. Gomez did not give a reason, but we had it all figured out. That is how much influence the Mayor has on Gomez and Castillo. Shame on you Mayor, for not allowing things to go on as they should. If Gomez does not resign, and he is running out of time, then a group of us can get together and begin a recall petition on Gomez and Castillo. And this can be done because the Mayor will be totally out of the picture and we will move on without him. VOTE GARZA!
He didnt go thru because he knew the Mayor and Mrs Castillo wouldnt be able to appoint someone they wanted. The other council member who always sides with them wasnt there, ... Read More
He didnt go thru because he knew the Mayor and Mrs Castillo wouldnt be able to appoint someone they wanted. The other council member who always sides with them wasnt there, so if his replacement would have come to a vote, the only vote he would have recieved was Mrs Castillo. Guerrero and Morones would have voted against her and won. When the other puppet gets back he will resign and the vote will be 2 to 2 and the mayor will break the tie in Gomez favor as he always does. Mrs Castillo, where did your spine, honesty and morals go? Everything you said during your campaign were lies. What a disgrace you have become
Guess you couldnt handle the truth little d, since you havent come back to answer the questions thrown at you. Its a shame we have elected officials who due to thier arrogance ... Read More
Guess you couldnt handle the truth little d, since you havent come back to answer the questions thrown at you. Its a shame we have elected officials who due to thier arrogance think they can treat citizens here the way you do. Im sure your folks would be real proud of you. All it takes to be a decent Mayor is a little honesty, integrity, loyalty to your citizens, selfless service and dedication. All traits that you have certainly not exhibited as Mayor. Its really a shame you treat these folks the way you do
READERS! READERS! Look closely at the picture of the Mayor and Chad. I do not think it "accidental" that the middle finger of his left hand is positioned as ... Read More
READERS! READERS! Look closely at the picture of the Mayor and Chad. I do not think it "accidental" that the middle finger of his left hand is positioned as it is. This "sign" is the Mayor's message to anyone who disagrees with him!
Mayor,
I have been attending the City Coucil meetings and this includes the August 9, 2012 meeting. A "packed house" as they say. A packed house that was able ... Read More
Mayor,
I have been attending the City Coucil meetings and this includes the August 9, 2012 meeting. A "packed house" as they say. A packed house that was able to witness the tug of war that City Council wages against Floresville citizens who dare to question or offer factual information that does not coincide with the Mayor's or City Council's agenda.
Over the past several months citizens have written and spoken to you expressing concern, submitted requests for more detailed information, and presented you a signed petition to involve the Floresville citizens in exercising the right and privilege to vote on the construction of the Floresville Sports Complex. Mayor all of these efforts have been either ignored or bypassed to achieve your own personal goal!
Tell me, and please tell all of the citizens you "represent" how you can say to a respected businessman, and Florsville citizen " Jim you can't handle the truth". Jim presents the fact and "he can't handle the truth"? Be very careful Mr Mayor who you quote. Shortly after Jack Nickelson uttered those words he then admitted that HE indeed had been lying.
I rest my case!
Connect the Dots Floresville August 15, 2012 9:17pm
Love love love this photo, by the way. Chad Clark is by far more personable, intellectually superior, politically apt and better looking than the other guy. Just saying. ... Read More
Love love love this photo, by the way. Chad Clark is by far more personable, intellectually superior, politically apt and better looking than the other guy. Just saying. Thank God we have folks like Chad with a legitimate grasp on the actual workings of the city.
Connect the Dots Floresville August 15, 2012 9:13pm
Taxes are going up while the economy tanks. Lower the rate if you really want to show that you can live within your existing means.
There are cities everywhere that are ... Read More
Taxes are going up while the economy tanks. Lower the rate if you really want to show that you can live within your existing means.
There are cities everywhere that are lowering their rate and seeing the same returns. The cost of business, as you say, is going down. And, the oilfield is more than making up any perceived loss in ad valorem tax revenue by giving you sales tax money.
It ain't complicated, folks.
Small Town Girl Floresville August 15, 2012 8:47pm
Mr. Mayor, it appears that you are the one that cannot handle the truth. You are the one that needs a lesson in municipal government. No, means no. The citizens are not ... Read More
Mr. Mayor, it appears that you are the one that cannot handle the truth. You are the one that needs a lesson in municipal government. No, means no. The citizens are not interested in a new sports complex, we want the infrastructure of the city taken care of; streets, water needs, sewage, etc. We have said that over and over, again and again; you, Gomez and Castillo have not listened. You did not approve of the petition but you found a way to get the $, by way of the FEDC. You have held meetings in your home with just enough people to not break the law. You are an arrogant man with a smart mouth and someday you will get caught. Forensic audit, anyone?
Here is a simplified math version without using the actual rates, but the conclusions do not change:
What Jim is trying to say is the amount of money collected by the ... Read More
Here is a simplified math version without using the actual rates, but the conclusions do not change:
What Jim is trying to say is the amount of money collected by the City of Floresville will increase next year. Basically, the City has more money and is spending more money.
What the Mayor is saying the tax rate per $100 of value will not go up. If the value of your property does not increase your taxes will be the same.
Let’s do the math. If the City of Floresville collected $1000 last year in tax revenue for 4 houses (total value for all 4 = $10,000) and the tax rate was 10%, the heart of the disagreement is what would the tax rate be next year in order to collect the $1000. This is known as the effective tax rate. In Floresville, the value of houses have went up in value (we will exclude the addition of houses for simplicity); let’s say total value of property (Wilson County Tax Assessments) went up by 20%. So, the taxable value is now $10,000 times (1 + 20%) or $12000. The effective tax rate would be $12000 times an unknown tax rate = $1000 (last year’s city taxes). Doing the math, the effective rate is 8.3% or a 17% reduction in the rate. So, in order to raise the same about of taxes as last year, the City would set the tax rate at 8.3% and individual property owners on average would not see a change in their property taxes by the City.
However, the Mayor focuses on the fact the rate is still 10%. The rate may still be only 10% but the city gained $2000 or 20% in taxes. So, on average, property owners would see a 20% increase in property taxes. While the tax rate has not went up since 1999, the taxes collected and the money spent by the City has went up substantially. So it is a little dishonest to act as if the City isn’t spending wildly.
"To say Congress is spending like drunken sailors is an insult to drunken sailors." -- Ronald Reagan. Replace the word Congress with City of Floresville.
BPS, I disagree, I like the banner between the two. They both are doing what they think is best.
crenshaw.glen@yahoo.com Floresville August 15, 2012 4:22pm
Getting a little testy little d. Seems there is the "truth" then there is your interpretation of the truth. Personally...I prefer the "truth" ... Read More
Getting a little testy little d. Seems there is the "truth" then there is your interpretation of the truth. Personally...I prefer the "truth"
The Texas Tax Code and the Truth in Taxation Act both require municipalities, each year, to calculate the ... Read More
Local Boy:
Your comments are the heart of this discussion.
The Texas Tax Code and the Truth in Taxation Act both require municipalities, each year, to calculate the amount of property tax they require for the maintenance and operations and for debt service. This figure is then compared to the taxable value of property to determine the "proposed tax rate". This proposed rate is then compared to a rate that would generate the same amount of taxes received in the previous year, the "Effective Tax Rate". These figures are representative of the truth!
Yes, municipalities must over time raise taxes. As you state this is the cost of doing business. No one is going to argue that!
However, stating that because you haven't changed the "tax rate" since 1999 is an outright misrepresentation of the truth. Further to blame any increase in taxes paid on the appraised value of your property has no basis in fact.
The changes made in the Texas Tax Code due to the Truth in Taxation Act were made so that taxpayers are presented with the justification from the taxiing entity for any tax increases.
The City of Floresville simply needs to state the truth. The City of Floresville voted to raise taxes on property owners and this is why. Not popular but the truth.
Jim Miller
Registered Voter, Business Owner, and
Candidate for City Council Place #1
I would first suggest that you re-read my posting. I concurred that your statements about the "tax rate" were correct. As a matter of fact I repeatedly ... Read More
Mr Mayor:
I would first suggest that you re-read my posting. I concurred that your statements about the "tax rate" were correct. As a matter of fact I repeatedly stated that the "tax rate" was not changed.
The content of my posting was about the amount of taxes to be paid to the City of Floresville by property owners as compared to the amount of taxes they paid previously for the same property. It was an encouragement to the taxpayers of the City to be watchful and evaluative of the facts.
My sources, for the record, include:
The Texas Government Code;
The Texas Tax Code;
The Truth in Taxation Act;
The Interim Chief Appraiser of the Wilson County Appraisal District; and
The City Council Meeting of August 9th, 2012.
Secondly, statements that are not based upon fact, that are condescending and disrespectful are much closer to the definition of propaganda than truth.
Jim Miller
Registered Voter, Business Owner, and
Candidate for City Council Place #1
I don't often weigh in on these comments, but I think I need to. I did a little research and found that the City of Floresville has one of the lowest tax rates in the state. ... Read More
I don't often weigh in on these comments, but I think I need to. I did a little research and found that the City of Floresville has one of the lowest tax rates in the state. Matter of fact we are 4th from the bottom of all cities. My city taxes on my home was $220 for the year. Now school and county taxes were much higher, but no one is complaining about them. I had to laugh at "one Voice". The rate we pay has not gone up since 1999. In fact the only reason it went up was because, I believe it was in 1994 or so, Councilman David Johns rolled back the tax rate. Yes appraised values are going to go up, and you are going to pay more in taxes, but thats the cost of doing business. How are we going to fund the budget? Keep raising the water rates,and the sales tax? I for one am tired of paying these high rates. My friend on the Northside of SA pays a lower water rate than we do. Milk costs more here than in SA....Mayor raise the taxes! Maybe one cent each year over 3 years. I don't think that will kill anyone...
Airborne Trooper wilson cty August 15, 2012 3:32pm
Mr Mayor you won't speculate about thier vote but you did in showing how they voted but didn't. Speculat if thier vote was to keep the same or lower. Bad politics to come ... Read More
Mr Mayor you won't speculate about thier vote but you did in showing how they voted but didn't. Speculat if thier vote was to keep the same or lower. Bad politics to come on here and even call them out but typical of the things you have done
Both of you need to be setting examples. Not acting out as every other elected official and overzealous candidate. Facts and views are always acceptable, but attacking ... Read More
Both of you need to be setting examples. Not acting out as every other elected official and overzealous candidate. Facts and views are always acceptable, but attacking each other on a Newspaper blog is unprofessional, and very unbecoming of anyone people look to as a leader. Both of you are better off writing editorials on your views and utilizing electronic newsletters to get your points across without directly pointing fingers at each other. I understand the need to defend yourself, but at some point you have to realize you’re being foolish, and a counter attack is better off being left unsaid. With that said Mayor Tejada you are much better off issuing a statement to the Wilson County News than jumping on the comments section to be heard.
Daniel Tejada Floresville, TX August 15, 2012 3:13pm
I will not speculate on whether they proposed a tax increase or not.
Jim,
I appreciate your interest in serving as a public official. However,I encourage ... Read More
Mr Trooper,
I will not speculate on whether they proposed a tax increase or not.
Jim,
I appreciate your interest in serving as a public official. However,I encourage you to get better informed about municipal government . Your comments about increasing the tax rate is a flat out lie .
THE TRUTH IS OUR CITY IS MOVING FORWARD WITHOUT COSTING THE TAXPAYER ANY TAX RATE INCREASE.
The Mayor’s statement that the City did not raise the “tax rate” is correct. What he fails to tell you is that the same “tax rate” will increase the amount of taxes paid ... Read More
The Mayor’s statement that the City did not raise the “tax rate” is correct. What he fails to tell you is that the same “tax rate” will increase the amount of taxes paid by property owners.
According to the numbers published by the Wilson County Appraisal District the Effective Tax Rate is .3178 for the coming year.
What is an Effective Tax Rate. It is the “tax rate” that will generate the SAME AMOUNT of taxes on property in the coming year as it did in the previous year independent of the current valuation of the property. This is a requirement of the Texas Tax Code and the Truth in Taxation Act. The Effective Tax Rate allows Cities to collect the same amount in taxes on property as it collected in the previous year as well as property taxes on any new construction. “Tax rates” above the Effective Tax Rate are TAX INCREASES and are subject to special requirements.
Is the approved “tax rate” of .3227 an increase above the Effective Tax Rate of .3178?
Bottom line, the Mayor broke a tie and voted with Gomez and Castillo to keep the “tax rate” and RAISE TAXES! Councilman Guerrero and Morones voted against raising taxes.
The Texas Tax Code requires Cities to hold two public hearings if their proposed “tax rate” will result in an increase in taxes. Guess what? After adopting this “same tax rate” the City of Floresville scheduled these two required public hearings.
The Mayor states that the City of Floresville has not changed the “tax rate” since 1999. Although semantically correct, this statement is totally irrelevant and an outright misrepresentation of the facts. As the “tax rate” may be lower than other cities our size, the comparison must also include the taxable value of property and ultimately the amount of property taxes collected by the city. The truthful and accurate comparison is not to the “tax rate” or even the taxable value but to the total of property taxes collected by the City.
These are the facts, not propaganda.
Jim Miller
Registered Voter, Business Owner and
Candidate for City Council Place #1
PROPERTY OWNERS - RAISE YOUR HAND
HAVE YOUR PROPERTY TAXES INCREASED SINCE 1999.??
How stupid do you think we are?? - Don't you pay more in property taxes as the years ... Read More
PROPERTY OWNERS - RAISE YOUR HAND
HAVE YOUR PROPERTY TAXES INCREASED SINCE 1999.??
How stupid do you think we are?? - Don't you pay more in property taxes as the years go on, Mr. Tejada? You do pay property taxes each year in a timely manner, right?
I think you need to review the minutes of the last City Council meeting.
Just Wondering, that does not surprise me. This last year the Mayor has suddenly believed that he is above everyone. He has raised his voice to the citizens, told people ... Read More
Just Wondering, that does not surprise me. This last year the Mayor has suddenly believed that he is above everyone. He has raised his voice to the citizens, told people to shut up and sit down, and acted like a child. Someday the truth will come out about all the bad deals that he has made. I for one will never vote for him again. He started out well, but in the end he will be known for not following the will of the citizens of Floresville.
The Marcelina Muse Dry Tank, TX August 15, 2012 2:18pm
When you say Morones and Guerrero voted against keeping the current tax rate, do you mean they wanted to raise the tax rate or lower it. Kind of only ... Read More
When you say Morones and Guerrero voted against keeping the current tax rate, do you mean they wanted to raise the tax rate or lower it. Kind of only giving half the details
Daniel Tejada Floresville, TX August 15, 2012 1:05pm
The headline "Floresville Maintains Tax Rate " is correct. The Wilson County News reported the City Council vote accurately . The City Council voted 3-2 to keep ... Read More
The headline "Floresville Maintains Tax Rate " is correct. The Wilson County News reported the City Council vote accurately . The City Council voted 3-2 to keep the same tax rate at .3227 per 100. Councilmembers Castillo and Gomez voted to keep the same tax rate. This is the same tax rate that has been in place since 1999. Councilmembers Guerrero and Morones voted against keeping the same tax rate. I broke the tie and I voted with Councilwoman Castillo and Councilman Gomez to keep the same tax rate. Proudly, I can say our tax rate is amongst the lowest in the State of Texas for cities our size.
Has the City been generating more property tax revenues lately ? Yes, definitely. The City as well as the other cities in the county, the school districts,and the County generate more revenue as result of more peoiple building homes in the City , more businesses coming to Floresville, and due to the appraised value of your property. In fact, Floresville did not see an increase of the overall appraised value this year. Therefore, you may actually pay the same or less in taxes than you did last year in City taxes.
The comments made regarding the City increasing tax rates is simply propaganda. The City did not raise the tax rate.
Daniel Tejada
Mayor
just wondering floresville August 15, 2012 12:50pm
Someone recently informed me that the mayor has accused the Wilson Co News of supporting only the stupid Mexicans, such as Morones, and not the intelligent Mexicans, like ... Read More
Someone recently informed me that the mayor has accused the Wilson Co News of supporting only the stupid Mexicans, such as Morones, and not the intelligent Mexicans, like himself. This does not sound like someone who supposedly is representing all the people of Floresville equally.
Jim, as always, you have done your homework. The Mayor does not tell the truth, and he has Gomez and Castillo to go along with him. Those 3, and maybe even Flores, are ... Read More
Jim, as always, you have done your homework. The Mayor does not tell the truth, and he has Gomez and Castillo to go along with him. Those 3, and maybe even Flores, are ready to put this city into debt. Citizens of Floresville, we all need to pay attention. Thank you, Jim.
I would encourage every citizen to take a good look and attend the public hearings and ask questions.
PROPERTY TAXES
- On January 24, 2012 the City’s approved budget reflected the receipt of $833,000.00 in property tax for this year.
- The current budget is now budgeting the receipt of $921,000.00 in property taxes for this year
- According to the Wilson County Appraisal District the total tax levy for the City of Floresville for the current Fiscal Year is $820,534.68. (A figure that was published in August of 2011).
- According to the Wilson County Tax Assessor’s Office the total property taxes to be paid to the City of Floresville for the current Fiscal year is $823,156.47 (A figure that was published in October of 2011).
If the figures of approximately $820,000 in property taxes were known as early as August of 2011, how is it that the City of Floresville approved a budget projecting the receipts of $833,000.00 in property taxes? And more importantly, why has that approved budget been adjusted up by $88,000,00 to reflect receipt of $921,000.00 in property taxes?
Oh by the way, the current financials are projecting that the City will only receive $810,000.00 in property taxes this year, $110,000.00 short from their budgeted revenue!
SALES TAX
- On January 24, 2012 the City’s approved budget reflected $1,140,000.00 in City Sales Tax to be received this year.
- The current budget is now budgeting receipt of $1,425,000.00 in City Sales Tax for this year.
When was the increase to the budget authorized by the City Council? What was the basis for this $285,000.00 increase in revenue to the approved budget?
Oh by the way, the current financials are projecting that the City will only receive $1,170,000.00 in City Sales Tax this year, $255,000 short from their budgeted revenue!
HOTEL MOTEL TAX
- The City’s approved budget reflects the receipt of $90,000.00 in Hotel/Motel Tax for this year.
- The Current budget is now projecting to receive $240,000.00 in Hotel/Motel Tax this year!
- Current receipts do not justify this projection.
The City’s proposed budget for the coming year exceeds $3.7 Million for government alone. This does not take into account the operations for Water, Sewer, and Garbage.
This year’s budget, with these adjustments and based upon the City’s own numbers, will have revenue shortfall of $235,000.00, nearly 10% of their current budget.
The projections for the next fiscal year also appear to be without basis in fact or rationale, only numbers thrown out their to justify their spending.
Tax Rate Remains the Same “We Have Not Changed the Tax Rate since 1999”
Are you paying more in taxes to the City of Floresville than you did in 1999? ... Read More
Tax Rate Remains the Same “We Have Not Changed the Tax Rate since 1999”
Are you paying more in taxes to the City of Floresville than you did in 1999?
The Tax Appraisal District has absolutely NOTHING to do with the amount of taxes you pay. They are NOT a government entity! They DO NOT set TAX RATES. It is the City of Floresville that determines how much you will pay in property taxes each year.
This City Council voted 2 - 2 with the Mayor breaking the tie to RAISE YOUR PROPERTY TAXES!
