The Meeting That Decides Princeton’s Property Tax Rate

By Bakr Al Qaraghuli, Editor

September 7, 2025

There is a lot of noise about Princeton’s tax rate. Here is the clean translation. What is happening, what it means for your wallet, and how to speak up before the vote.

WHAT HAPPENED

• The City scheduled a public hearing on the 2025–2026 property tax rate for Monday, September 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Princeton Municipal Center, 2000 E. Princeton Drive. The same meeting includes consideration to adopt the tax rate. A city post also notes a work session at 5:00 p.m. and the regular meeting at 6:30 p.m.
• In the August 11 agenda, Council set the no-new-revenue rate at 0.420121 per $100 and the voter-approval rate at 0.440226 per $100 and scheduled the September 8 hearing.
• The September 8 agenda shows an item to approve and adopt a tax rate of 0.440226 per $100 for tax year 2025.
• City budget pages and the local paper list September 8 as the hearing date. Some city pages also show September 11 for a hearing and adoption. Treat September 8 as the must-attend date and monitor September 11 in case action carries over.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

• If the rate stays at 0.440226, but your appraised value rose, your city tax line likely rises. The Princeton Herald reports the city proposes keeping the same rate as the past two years while taxable value rose about 19.85% year over year. That is why many bills climb even when the rate does not.
• The no-new-revenue rate is the rate that would hold total revenue flat from existing properties. It is lower than the proposed rate. Texas law requires clear notices and a hearing so you can respond.

YOUR BILL, IN PLAIN MATH

Formula: Taxable value ÷ 100 × 0.440226 = city tax.

Example only; exemptions change results.

Last year $300,000 value → 3,000 × 0.440226 = $1,320.68.

If value rose 20% to $360,000 at the same rate → 3,600 × 0.440226 = $1,584.81.

The county, ISD, and other jurisdictions add their own lines. This hearing is only the city rate.

WHAT TO ASK AT THE MICROPHONE

• If “growth is paying for growth,” show the line items: roads, water, drainage, police, parks, and debt service. Where does each dollar go?
• Why is the proposed rate above the no-new-revenue rate? What is the plan if values jump again next roll?
• What is the current balance of the general fund and the trend in fund reserves?
• How will the city track performance on projects funded by this year’s taxes? Publish a list with dates, budgets, and delivery status.
• How do seniors, veterans, and homestead owners benefit from exemptions this year? How many households use them?

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

• Show up on Monday, September 8 at 6:30 p.m. at 2000 E. Princeton Drive. Sign up to speak before the hearing item. The city has also posted about the schedule for that evening.
• Watch the agenda and backup online and bring specific questions tied to the numbers.
• Monitor the calendar in case action continues to September 11.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT

• The final motion and the exact adopted rate on September 8. The draft shows 0.440226 per $100.
• Any amendments to the budget on the same night, since taxes and spending move together.
• Staff presentations on how rising values affect total revenue, staffing, and capital plans. Ask for slide links after the meeting.

BOTTOM LINE

This is the night that sets the city line on your property tax bill. The proposed rate matches last year on paper, but rising values mean many households will still pay more. If you care where that money goes, be in the room on September 8, ask for specifics, and do not leave without a clear answer on projects, timelines, and results.

If you found this helpful, share it with your neighbors and join the Princeton Journal Facebook group to stay updated on what is really happening in Princeton. The more residents who are informed, the stronger our community will be. The more residents who are informed, the stronger our community will be.