The City of Fort Stockton City Council held a public hearing and proceeded to approve the 2022-2023 budget and tax rate on Sept. 6 at a special meeting.

The approved budget will raise $23,711.21(1.56%) less than last year’s budget. The approved tax rate of $0.3549 is over 8 cents less than last year’s tax rate of .4365, as valuations rose significantly in the city.

Total adjusted taxable values in city limits rose from $385,923,587 in 2021 to $417,682,610 in 2022.

Compared to five years ago, valuations in Fort Stockton have risen nearly 57%. The adjusted tax value in the city was at $267,050,903 for the 20172018 fiscal year.

City councilman Ruben Falcon and Darren Hodges voiced their approval for lowering the tax levy – by 1.56% -- in a time of rampant inflation.

“I can’t believe a taxing government entity at this time with high value prices would raise prices on its citizens in this area,” Falcon said.

In addition to the tax rate approval, Fort Stockton City Manager Frank Rodriguez revealed at Tuesday’s meeting that city employees will receive a 5% cost of living raise next month despite raising less money through taxes.

“From the steps we are taking this upcoming year, this will allow a 5% cost of living adjustment for our city employees. Also due to the city continuing to lose staff to other places of employment, we were able to reclassify some entry level positions and fix the classification table to reflect a more competitive salary,” he said.

The raises for employees will go into effect on Oct. 17.