KILLEEN, Texas (KXXV) — Killeen residents are raising concerns after the city council unanimously approved an 8% property tax rate increase, which officials say is necessary to fund police, fire, and cost-of-living adjustments.

The Killeen City Council unanimously approved a property tax increase of over 8%, adding an average of $183 per year for homeowners.

City officials say the increase is needed to hire more police and fire personnel and provide more funding for the cost-of-living.

Some residents, like Melissa Brown, worry the higher taxes will drive up rent and worsen the city’s growing homelessness crisis.

Watch the full story here: Killeen approves 8% property tax rate increase to fund public safety, city services

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

“It’s detrimental to residents and it’

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