AZLE, Texas — After hours of debate and pushback from residents, the City of Azle voted Monday night to raise its property tax rate.

City leaders approved a new tax rate of 0.624 cents per $100 valuation, a 3.49% increase from last year. While the hike is lower than what was initially proposed, many residents said any increase would further strain families, seniors and people on fixed incomes.

“You’re pricing people out," one resident said during public comments. "So who is going to live here?”

Azle has experienced rapid growth in recent years, and officials said the increase is necessary to meet demands for more police, fire and other city services.

Last year, property tax revenue in Azle rose by 18%. This year, leaders considered raising it by another 19%, but ultimately settled on a

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