City of La Marque sticks with plan to increase property tax despite AG’s state orders

LA MARQUE, Texas (KTRK) — Some residents are demanding greater transparency from city officials regarding the city of La Marque’s financial issues.

Part of the plan to address the issue was a proposed property tax increase, but the state is advising the city to slow down because it may be illegal. Despite orders from the attorney general’s office, city leaders are still moving forward with the increase.

“The more we’re looking into it, the more we’re wondering where a lot of this money went,” Nick Roque said.

That’s the question some in the area are asking leaders in the City of La Marque.

“We just want a sense of transparency and a true sense of leadership in where we’re going,” Brian Goetschius said.

In September, the city reported a serious financial situation, stating that its cash reserves were depleted and could only cover about two weeks’ worth of operations.

Leaders went on to say it was due to low revenue and overspending in key areas over the last two years. Some residents ABC13 spoke with are demanding more details from city officials.

“We want a forensic audit. We want a professional organization, such as the state, to come and show us where the money went,” Goetchius said.

This comes as the city announced earlier in the year that it would implement a property tax increase to help offset spending and generate additional revenue.

However, in October, Attorney General Ken Paxton intervened and sent a letter to the city stating that it couldn’t do so, as it had not met the audit deadline of March and had instead filed in September.

It’s part of a new law that prevents local governments from raising property taxes if they fail to comply with state auditing requirements.

In the same letter, Paxton’s office stated that an investigation into the city is being conducted and demands that there be no property tax increase until it’s completed.

Last month, the City of La Marque said they don’t believe it was in violation of the law and have been consulting with their legal counsel. ABC13 reached out for an interview, and a spokesperson for the city stated that they have contacted the AG’s office, but there has been no communication on their end.

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