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VOTE411 Voter Guide

City Of Garland Special Election

City of Garland Proposition ATHIS IS A TAX INCREASE: Approving the ad valorum tax rate of $0.679900 per $100 valuation in the City of Garland, Texas for the current year, a rate that is $0.036646 higher per $100 of valuation than the voter-approval tax rate of the City of Garland, Texas, for the purpose of increasing staff for the police department, fire department, 9-1-1 dispatch department and parks department, increasing funding for roadway construction and maintenance, maintaining and enhancing levels of city-wide services and competitive pay for public safety and city personnel. Last year, the ad valorem tax rate in the City of Garland, Texas was $0.689746 per $100 valuation.Vote For or AgainstDESCRIPTIONA vote of the people is required by state law when the portion of a city’s new tax rate used for maintenance and operations exceeds the rate calculated according to a complicated formula set by the state legislature. Garland’s tax rate approved by the City Council for 2026-27, although a penny lower than the 2025-26 rate, exceeds the State’s calculated rate and thus must be approved by the voters or else it will revert to the lower State calculated rate. This type of election is called a Tax Ratification Election (TRE). Garland’s tax rate approval proposition will be on the ballot as Proposition A. State Law mandates the words “THIS IS A TAX INCREASE” be printed at the top of the ballot proposition, even though the city of Garland proposes to reduce its tax rate by a penny. The new lower tax rate will raise more revenue because property values have risen and the tax base has experienced some growth.2026-27 Tax rate approved by City Council and up for voter approval $0.67992026-27 Maximum state calculated tax rate without voter approval $0.6432542025-26 Garland Tax Rate $0689746 The city says the additional revenue, all for maintenance and operations, will be used for:10 Police Officer positions and four vehiclesNine Firefighter positions and Firefighter overtimeEight 9-1-1 Dispatcher positionsThree Animal Services Technician positions$554,500 for library materials and resources$396,855 for the following City-produced special events: Art Made Here, Asian American Heritage Festival, Juneteenth, Fall Fest & Guzzler Run, Día de los Muertos, Sensory-Friendly Christmas and 12 Music Made Here concerts$765,821 for parks maintenance, City landscaping and parks securityIf voters do not approve the proposition, the voter-approval rate of $0.643254 per $100 of taxable value will take effect, resulting in a budget amendment adopted or directed by the City Council to provide for removal or reduction of the positions, services and programs listed above.The city’s description of the proposal is on its website at https://www.votegarland.com/.Garland’s 2025-26 tax rate compared to nearby cities’ tax rates (rate per $100 value after exemptions):Rowlett .807891Mesquite .704692Dallas .698800Garland .689746Richardson .542180

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    Yes - For the Measure

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    No - Against the Measure

1. If the VATRE is approved, Garland’s property tax rate would be lower than last year’s and lower than that of most neighboring cities.

2. If the VATRE is approved, Garland will have funding to strengthen its police and fire departments to meet the needs of its growing population. It could also provide needed staffing for animal control, fund parks improvements and libraries, and strengthen the community by providing city sponsored events for Garland residents.

3. Property values have increased with inflation. This enables Garland to lower its tax rate while still providing for the needs of its growing population.

4. To attract people and businesses that will enhance the tax base, a city must first of all provide a safe environment, and then it must also provide the amenities that people expect in a healthy city.
1. Even though the approved tax rate is lower than it was, many property owners will pay more in taxes because property values have increased with inflation.

2. Garland should seek ways to provide adequate staffing for public safety while keeping property taxes low, for instance, by cutting other expenses. Other enhancements could be deferred.

3. Residents and businesses are feeling the effects of inflation, so the city should work to reduce property taxes further to ease the burden.

4. Low property tax rates are an important incentive for attracting residents and businesses.
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