Cleburne city council cuts property tax rate to 58 cents

Cleburne homeowners will pay a lower property tax rate in the coming fiscal year. According to Cleburne Times-Review, the City Council adopted a rate of 58 cents per $100 of valuation, down from the current 61 cents. The city's new fiscal year starts Oct. 1. Based on an average Cleburne home's value, that drop saves taxpayers about $13, though individual savings vary depending on property values set by the Johnson County Central Appraisal District. The council also passed the city budget, which raises street maintenance and repair funding from $2.5 million to $3 million and gives city employees a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment. The budget covers water and infrastructure projects, new vehicles including a $1.5 million fire engine, software, and equipment. Funding continues for the downtown facade and improvement grant programs, the Cleburne Pride Improvement Program, and the HOPE Program. The latter two provide home repairs for elderly, disabled, veteran, and low-income residents who cannot afford them on their own.