'The question is close': Tax rate election lawsuit shut down by Texas Supreme Court

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Friday, the Texas Supreme Court denied an emergency petition tied to a lawsuit that claimed Austin’s tax rate election ballot language did not adequately explain to voters how the money would be used. The proposed tax rate increase will go to voters in November.

“Relator contends that the ballot language violates the law’s minimum standards,” Justice Evan Young wrote in his decision. “The question is close. The City’s lengthy purpose statement includes a laundry list of programs and then tacks on a catchall provision.”

Ultimately, Young said the proposed tax increase must be decided not in court, but by the voters.

“The Supreme Court denied our petition, but Justice Young wrote separately showing the danger posed by the Council’s ballot language. We have now done all we can do in court to stop voters from being misled, a danger Justice Young recognized,” Bowen’s attorney, Bill Aleshire, wrote.





https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/the-question-is-close-tax-rate-election-lawsuit-shut-down-by-texas-supreme-court/