The Ector County Hospital District will hold a public meeting on a property tax increase at 5 p.m. Sept. 17 in the Medical Center Hospital board room.
The ECHD board wants to raise the tax rate to $0.100373, which is listed as a 13.12 percent increase, which is up from $0.088729, which was 2023’s rate.
MCH CEO/President Russell Tippin said inflation is hitting the hospital.
“Nothing costs less or the same as it did last year or even 2-3 years ago. Inflation has hit healthcare hard. New equipment and staffing cost more, while reimbursements from insurance companies and the government has trended down,” Tippin said. “In addition, while other healthcare facilities in the region are struggling and some even closing, the demand on MCH continues to grow to provide the best care around the clock. “
The average homestead taxable value in 2023 was $178,260, which meant $158.17 for ECHD property taxes. In 2024 the average homestead taxable value is $185,381, which will mean an ECHD property tax of $186.07. That is a property tax increase of $27.90 or 17.64 percent on the average homestead.
The total property taxes raised in 2023 was $18,402,414. If the new rate is approved by the board they will collect $21,257,268 for 2024. That is about $2.8 million or 15.51 percent more than last year.
