El Paso City Council adopts $658.6 million budget and tax increase

The El Paso City Council has adopted a $658.6 million general fund budget for fiscal year 2027 following a lengthy and divided debate. The council voted 6-2 to set a tax rate of 79.8 cents per $100 of property valuation.

This decision is expected to increase city tax bills by approximately $105 for an average-value home. The approved rate represents a slight reduction from previous recommendations made by the city manager and chief financial officer.

Opposition to the budget included City Representatives Lily Limón and Cynthia Boyar Trejo. Limón expressed specific disapproval regarding the budget after learning that council members would receive 15% pay raises as permitted by the City Charter.