AUSTIN — Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced Monday, Dec. 15, the launch of the Local Government Bond, Tax, and Project Transparency Database, an online tool providing public access to current and historical information on local government bonds, voter-approved tax rate elections and related projects across Texas.
According to a press release, the database provides centralized, publicly accessible data intended to help taxpayers better understand how local bond issuances and tax rate elections affect property tax burdens.
“This database empowers taxpayers with timely, accessible information on bonds, tax rate elections and project spending,” Hancock said. “It reflects our commitment to transparency and informed decision- making across Texas communities.”
Officials said the new system advances the intent of House Bill 103, improving transparency around local government debt and taxation.
The Comptroller’s office said they developed the database in coordination with the Texas Bond Review Board.
Under the legislation, local taxing units are required to report specified information to the Comptroller, including a one-time submission of historical data covering tax years 2015 through 2025 by Jan. 1, 2026.
Going forward, all future bond issuances and voter-approved tax rate elections held in May or November must be reported by Aug. 7 following the election, according to a press release.
According to the Comptroller’s office, the database includes ballot language for bond and tax rate elections, projected debt service tax rates, lists of funded projects and accounting of bond proceeds, tax rate changes resulting from issued bonds, election results, and proposed or approved maintenance tax rates for school districts.
.png)
