Kempner council divided on proposed tax rate increase

Kempner City Council members Rob Green, left, and Thomas Combs have differing perspectives on the possibility of a hefty tax increase to fund the municipal budget for fiscal year 2024-25. Combs believes a tax hike is necessary to fund increased salaries and add police officers, while Green said he would like to see the tax rate limited to a more modest level. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD
Kempner City Council members Rob Green, left, and Thomas Combs have differing perspectives on the possibility of a hefty tax increase to fund the municipal budget for fiscal year 2024-25. Combs believes a tax hike is necessary to fund increased salaries and add police officers, while Green said he would like to see the tax rate limited to a more modest level. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Kempner City Council members spent most of their Tuesday meeting once again discussing different budget ideas for the upcoming 2024-25 fiscal year.

Council members viewed alternative budget plans that varied from adding additional police personnel to keeping staff the same – all of which affects the tax rate.

Council members Dan Long and Debbie Hernandez were absent from the meeting.

City Manager Reb…