Politics

Waco Ballot Measure Would Cut Property Taxes for 100,000 Homeowners

The November ballot measure would raise the local homestead exemption to $100,000, reducing taxable value on primary residences and changing annual city tax payments for qualifying Waco households.

By Waco Policy Desk · Published July 8, 2026

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This article was written by AI from the linked sources and was not reviewed by a journalist before publishing. The Daily Waco is part of The Daily Network and follows our reasonable editorial care.

Waco voters will decide in November on a city charter amendment that expands the homestead exemption for property taxes from the current $40,000 to $100,000 on owner-occupied homes. The measure applies only to the city's portion of the tax bill and covers primary residences within Waco city limits.

City officials placed the item on the ballot after McLennan County appraisal rolls showed a 12 percent average increase in residential values between 2024 and 2026. The change responds to repeated requests from residents for relief on the municipal share of their tax statements, which fund general government operations and public safety.

Projected Effects on Local Household Costs

Under the proposal, a home appraised at $250,000 would see its taxable value drop by an extra $60,000. Using the city's 2026 tax rate of 0.5675 per $100 of valuation listed in the adopted budget, that reduction equals approximately $341 less owed to the city each year. Residents in neighborhoods such as Dean Highland and Oakwood would receive the same calculation on their October tax statements beginning in 2027 if the measure passes.

The adjustment would not affect school district or county taxes, which together make up roughly 70 percent of a typical Waco property tax bill. Renters would see no direct change unless landlords pass along any savings through lease adjustments. City budget documents estimate the measure would reduce annual property tax revenue by $4.2 million once fully implemented.

Timeline and Voter Information

Early voting begins October 19 at the Waco Convention Center and selected library branches. The measure requires a simple majority to take effect on January 1, 2027. The city clerk's office has posted the full text of the proposed charter language and sample tax calculations on its website for residents to review before Election Day.

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