Finally an Honest Taxing Entity

Well Clout, Dan Patrick, Paul Bettencourt, and all of the truth in Taxation people out there can raise a glass in recoginition of the people who are on the board for West Harris County Emergency Services District, for being upfront and truthful about our taxes.

Here is the story. and a couple portions of the article.

Over the next few years, residents in Emergency Services District No. 47 could see property tax increases to provide additional funding for fire and emergency services.

Residents recently approved a proposition giving the district the option to increase its tax rate, now 5 cents per $100 property valuation, to provide funding for the Westlake Volunteer Fire Department.

Approved by a 40-10 vote in the May 13 election, the proposition gives the district the ability to impose increases that over time could boost the tax rate to the maximum statutory limit of 10 cents per $100 valuation to cover fire and emergency medical services, said the district's attorney, Butch Callegari of Callegari Law Firm PC.

Notice the small number of people voting. This is because it was done during the School Bond election in May, not during an normal November election.

Callegari said that whether a tax increase will be needed depends on whether the fire department receives adequate funding and how property values fluctuate.

"If property values increase and there's enough new growth, there may not be a need for a tax increase," he said. "If property values decrease or if the expenses necessary to fund the fire department are so much that a tax increase is warranted, then (the district) will do that. The money has to come from somewhere."

The district's five-member board will discuss a proposed increase in mid-August when the district receives the fire department's proposed budget and current property tax values. A decision would need to made in September if a tax increase were to be imposed for this year.

"If property values increase, and the money has to come from somewhere". Callegari is correct, but he is the first representative from any taxing entity, out side of Paul Bettencourt, to openly announce that appraisal increases help increase revenue and have kept them from raising the tax rate, until now. I applaud both Mr. Callegari, the board of ESD 47 and Chief Mark Palmer who are being open and up front about the financial situation that the district is facing. I know both Mr Callegari and Chief Palmer and would expect nothing less. I also am happy to see that they are dedicated to continuing to provide the best possible fire and ambulance protection for their residents.

The greatest irony of this whole things is who is making the comments.
Butch Callegari is the son of Bill Callegari, Texas house of Representatives district 132. This is the same Bill Callegari that voted for the LARGEST TAX INCREASE in Texas history, see the record of vote. This is the same man who voted against all appraisal cap reductions, because he just does not get it.

Well apparently his son does. Kudos to Butch and everyone over at ESD 47 for being open about their tax situation.