FAQs • Mesquite, TX • CivicEngage

Why do some cities have a different sales tax rate than Mesquite?

The state laws of Texas set forth guidelines that regulate the amount of sales tax local governments can charge. Generally, all cities in Texas can collect a 1% sales tax on taxable sales within their jurisdictional limits. To increase this percentage, however, a local election must be held authorizing an increase in the sales tax percentage.

The City of Mesquite has increased its sales tax percentage twice. In fiscal year 1992-93, citizens voted to increase the sales tax rate from 1.0% to 1.5%. There was a corresponding reduction in the property tax rate to offset the increased sales tax revenues.

In fiscal year 1998-99, the citizens again voted to increase the sales tax percentage by an additional 0.5% percent, bringing the local sales tax option to 2.0%, the maximum percentage allowed cities under current state law. Revenue generated from this additional ½ cent must be used for Transportation Improvements, Public Safety Improvements and Public Parks and Recreation Improvements. This sales tax revenue is administered by the Mesquite Quality of Life Corporation after approval by the Mesquite City Council.

The State of Texas is responsible for determining its sales tax percentage.

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1. What is the city's tax rate and who sets it?

The City’s 2022-2023 fiscal year tax rate is $0.65814 per $100 assessed valuation. Article V, Section 2 of the Mesquite City Charter states it is the responsibility of the City Council to set the tax rate. To calculate your city tax bill you must divide the taxable assessed valuation of your home by $100, and then multiply that figure by $0.65814. For example, John and Jane Citizen own an $100,000 home. Their city property tax is calculated as follows:

Taxable Assessed Valuation = $100,000
Divided by $100 = $1,000
Multiplied by $0.65814 = $658.14
Total Property Tax Bill = $658.14

Please note this is the City’s portion of your annual tax bill, not your total tax bill.

2. Who determines the value of my house?

The value of most property in Mesquite is determined by the Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD), a separate governmental agency authorized by the Texas Legislature. The City does not set the value of your home. However, DCAD does provide the City with your property value, so the City can then prepare a tax bill which can be forwarded to your mortgage company or your residence for payment.

Some properties in the City of Mesquite fall within the boundaries of Kaufman County. The Kaufman Central Appraisal District (KCAD), also a separate governmental agency authorized by the Texas Legislature, is responsible for setting the values for such properties.

3. What is the sales tax rate in Mesquite?: The sales tax rate in Mesquite is 8.25%.

4. Does the City of Mesquite receive the entire 8.25%?

No. The 8.25% sales tax is distributed among three separate entities as follows:

City of Mesquite - 1.50%

Mesquite Quality of Life Corporation - 0.50%

State of Texas - 6.25%

Total Sales Tax Rate - 8.25%

5. Why do some cities have a different sales tax rate than Mesquite?

The State of Texas is responsible for determining its sales tax percentage.

6. Does the City of Mesquite levy a sales tax for the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system?: No. The City of Mesquite is not a member of DART.

7. What is the City of Mesquite's total budget?: The City’s 2022-2023 annual budget is $306,659,111.

8. What is the City of Mesquite's garbage rate?: The City of Mesquite's 2022-2023 garbage rate is $24.25 for twice weekly residential service, blue bag recycling and bulky item pick-up.

9. How is my water bill figured?

A residential water bill is calculated based on actual usage. The City has adopted water rates to recover the cost of providing water service to its customers. A $16.52 base amount is charged to all customers and includes 1,000 gallons of water. All consumption in excess of 1,000 gallons is charged based on a tiered rate structure.

Please visit this link to view the current tiered rate structure and an example of how a water bill is calculated

10. How is my sewer bill figured?

A residential sewer bill is calculated on actual usage subject to a maximum consumption level. The City has adopted sewer rates to recover the cost of providing sewer service to its customers. A $17.87 base amount is charged to all customers and includes 1,000 gallons of water. All consumption in excess of 1,000 gallons, up to a maximum of 8,000 gallons, is charged at a rate of $7.02 per 1,000 gallons

Please visit this link to view an example of how a sewer bill is calculated.

11. How much is the Drainage Utility District fee?: The residential Drainage Utility District fee is $5.00 per month per single family residence. The City's 2022-2023 commercial rate is 15 cents per 100 square feet of impervious area. This fee is used to meet federal storm water permit mandates and to fund drainage improvement projects throughout the city.

12. Where can I get a copy of the city's budget?

Interested parties may review a copy of the City's budget at several locations. There is a copy of the budget on file at the following locations: