Socorro approves $63 property tax hike

After two public hearings and three city council meetings, the City of Socorro has approved its 2012-2013 budget. Controversy has surrounded this budget because of its property tax increase. Some residents strongly disagree with council’s decision.

The value of homes in has gone up compared to last year. If the city had kept its same tax rate, residents would have had to pay more anyway. But on top of that, council voted to increase the tax rate, too. Residents said with said it’s more than they can afford.

“We are so disappointed in you!” one resident said.

Despite some residents’ outcries, council members voted to bring in nearly 15 percent more in property taxes than last year. City representatives say they need that money to raise the quality of life in the small town, by developing the area. They say their constituents complain about the work that needs to be done in the city, but aren’t willing to pay for it.

Residents who attended Friday night’s meeting say Socorro has a lot of elderly people living on a fixed income, and every dollar counts. Now, they will have to pay $63 more in property taxes, from $390 to $453 on average.

Higher property taxes will give Ssocorro about $1.5 more to work with.

“I see some of the same people that spoke against this budget, spoke against these tax rates — at stood up there and said the Apodoca Center is a waste of money — no one is going to go to it,” said Councilman Jesse Gandara Jr. “And yet, you pass by the Apodoca Center and it’s always packed. I really believe that they do not speak for the majority of Socorro.”

The council also tried to cut costs by eliminating two city-paid positions, a senior account and municipal court clerk. They also added a 4 percent cost-of-living raise for some city employees.

That’s not the only increase Socorro residents are looking at. It’s also important to note that the County of El Paso is considering raising taxes by $62 for the average home in the county. Commissioners will be voting on that proposal September 24.

After two public hearings and three city council meetings, the City of Socorro has approved its 2012-2013 budget. Controversy has surrounded this budget because of its property tax increase. Some residents strongly disagree with council’s decision?

The value of homes in has gone up compared to last year. If the city had kept its same tax rate, residents would have had to pay more anyway. But on top of that, council voted to increase the tax rate, too. Residents said with said it’s more than they can afford.

“We are so disappointed in you!” one resident said.

Despite some residents’ outcries, council members voted to bring in nearly 15 percent more in property taxes than last year. City representatives say they need that money to raise the quality of life in the small town, by developing the area. They say their constituents complain about the work that needs to be done in the city, but aren’t willing to pay for it.

Residents who attended Friday night’s meeting say Socorro has a lot of elderly people living on a fixed income, and every dollar counts. Now, they will have to pay $63 more in property taxes, from $390 to $453 on average.

Higher property taxes will give Socorro about $1.5 more to work with.

“I see some of the same people that spoke against this budget, spoke against these tax rates — at stood up there and said the Apodoca Center is a waste of money — no one is going to go to it,” said Councilman Jesse Gandara Jr. “And yet, you pass by the Apodoca Center and it’s always packed. I really believe that they do not speak for the majority of Socorro.”

The council also tried to cut costs by eliminating two city-paid positions, a senior account and municipal court clerk. They also added a 4 percent cost-of-living raise for some city employees.

That’s not the only increase Socorro residents are looking at. It’s also important to note that the County of El Paso is considering raising taxes by $62 for the average home in the county. Commissioners will be voting on that proposal September 24.