Politics
Killeen Holds Property Tax Rate Steady, Protecting 2027 Household Budgets
The vote holds the rate at 0.6523 per $100 of assessed value for the coming fiscal year, leaving annual bills unchanged for most Killeen property owners.
How we reported this
At its July 7 meeting the Killeen City Council approved the fiscal year 2027 operating budget by a 6-1 vote without changing the property tax rate. The action keeps the levy at 0.6523 per $100 of assessed value and applies to all residential and commercial properties inside city limits.
Budget Context and Timing
City staff presented the proposal after months of review that accounted for higher costs in public safety overtime and road maintenance contracts. The decision follows a period when assessed values rose an average of 4 percent across Bell County appraisal records released in May.
Local residents will see the direct effect on their annual tax statements mailed in October. A home assessed at $250,000 will carry the same $1,630 bill as last year, while a $300,000 property will remain at $1,956. Renters may experience slower pass-through increases if landlords absorb the unchanged rate into lease calculations.
City budget documents show the general fund totals $142 million, with 38 percent allocated to police and fire operations and 22 percent to streets and drainage. No new fees for solid waste collection or water service were added in the adopted version.
Next Steps for Residents
The new budget takes effect October 1. Property owners who wish to contest their appraisal can file appeals with the Bell County Appraisal District by the July 15 deadline. City staff will hold two public workshops in August to explain payment plans for those on fixed incomes.
Further adjustments to the rate are scheduled for review during the mid-year budget amendment in January 2027.