Rockwall Voices Op-Ed
We’ve just finished a long primary season for statewide and county races. Now, we quickly turn to local elections here in Fate. It feels like we have had little time to pause and reflect on what the March primaries meant for our community.
Unfortunately, we are still seeing neighbors at odds simply because they supported different candidates. That is not who we are at our best.
After this election, every candidate, regardless of the outcome, should commit to working together for Rockwall County. That simple step would send a powerful message: service matters more than victory.
With that in mind, I want to share a few “Fate Facts” related to the campaign slogans we have all been seeing.
Campaign Slogan 1: Reducing Your Tax Burden
One of the most common questions I hear is simple: Who actually controls our property taxes?
A quick reminder: your property tax bill typically includes three to four separate tax rates, each set by a different taxing authority in Rockwall County, depending on whether you live in a Municipal Utility District (MUD).
- ISD
- Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs)
- City of Fate
- Rockwall County
The answer may surprise you.
School District ISD Taxes
The school homestead exemption has increased from $40,000 to $140,000. In Fate, 1,160 homeowners age 65 and older receive additional tax limitations that cap their property tax burden.
This November, Texas voters will consider increasing the exemption to $180,000, which would further reduce school property tax bills for homeowners.
For example, the Rockwall Independent School District tax rate is $1.0669 per $100 of taxable value.
These decisions are controlled by state law and voters, not the City Council.
Municipal Utility Districts (MUD) Taxes
The City of Fate is served by multiple Municipal Utility Districts. MUD tax rates are set by their respective boards to repay voter approved debt used to fund infrastructure such as water, sewer, and roads.
These tax rates typically range from $0.19500 to $0.75000 per $100 of taxable value. For example, Rockwall County MUD No. 8 has a tax rate of approximately $0.75 per $100.
These rates are set by MUD boards, not the City Council.
Rockwall County Taxes
The Rockwall County Commissioners Court sets the county property tax rate each year. The current rate is $0.251000 per $100 of taxable value.
These rates are set by county elected officials, not the City Council.
City of Fate Taxes
The city property tax rate has two components:
• Maintenance and Operations M&O: $0.200765
• Debt Service I&S: $0.090104
• Total: $0.290869
Like any household, the city must meet its debt obligations. A portion of the city tax rate is dedicated to repaying voter approved debt and maintaining the city’s financial stability.
In reality, the City Council has the most direct influence over the city operations portion of the tax rate.
Within the General Fund, public safety accounts for approximately 48 percent, about $8.1 million of the $16.9 million total budget.
The remainder supports essential city services such as water and sewer systems, utility billing, building inspections, streets, maintain our city, maintaining our city buildings, parks, etc
The city tax rate is the only portion of your property tax bill that the City Council directly controls.
Property Taxes Bottom Line
The City Council directly controls only about 12% of the typical property tax bill. Since 2022, overall property tax bills in our community have already decreased by more than 35%, driven largely by reductions in school district taxes.
For 2026, based on a $350,000 home with a MUD, the typical breakdown is:
• ISD: 45%
• MUD: 32%
• City: 12%
• County: 11%
Given the city’s tax rate is one of the lowest in the DFW metroplex, the City Council has limited ability to further reduce taxes without impacting core services.
Campaign Slogan 2: Transparency
Since May 2025, many residents of our great city have experienced what feels like a City Council wall of silence. Too often, questions go unanswered and communication is limited, raising concerns about accountability and public engagement. Some of the explanations offered for this lack of communication are, frankly, concerning.
Citizen questions go unanswered. City Council communication is limited. In some cases, reported interactions with residents have raised concerns, including concerns about potential harassment.
Think about that.
As William Shakespeare wrote, “Truth will out.”
Transparency is not optional. It is essential. Our community deserves clear answers, open dialogue, and leadership that respects the public’s right to know.
Campaign Sloan 3: Rockwall County GOP Endorsements
The Rockwall County Republican Party does not formally endorse candidates in local elections. If a candidate claims otherwise, it is reasonable for voters to pause for a moment.
A Final Thought
Every election is about more than candidates. It is about the kind of community we choose to be.
Do we value:
• Openness
• Ethics
• Accountability
• Respect
Or do we accept:
• Silence
• Drama
• Division
• Flexible ethics
• Limited engagement
Good decisions start with good questions. And the future of our community depends on whether we are willing to ask them and expect real answers.
Some Questions for Fate City Council Candidates
Transparency & Communication
- Will you commit to answering citizen questions openly and in a timely manner?
- How will you ensure residents are informed before, not after, major decisions?
- Do you support increased public access to city information and meetings?
- Will you post public presentations online without requiring an Open Records Request?
- Will you avoid “walking quorums” or any effort to bypass open meetings laws?
- Will you commit to not secretly recording conversations?
Leadership & Accountability
- Will you hold regular town halls and engage consistently with residents?
- Will you appoint the most qualified individuals—not friends—to boards and commissions?
- Will you reject endorsements from federal and state PACs?
- Will you uphold both the letter and the intent of the City Charter?
- Have you agreed to any “secret deals” in exchange for political support?
Growth, Development & Policy
- What is your plan for roads, traffic, and long-term infrastructure?
- How will you ensure development reflects the entire community?
- Will your votes uphold both the letter and spirit of state law?
Final Thought
As Shakespeare reminds us, “The fault… is not in our stars, but in ourselves.”
The future of Fate is not decided by chance.
It is shaped by the choices we make and the questions we ask.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this Op-Ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of The Rockwall Times. We encourage a respectful exchange of perspectives to enrich our community dialogue.
