Richland Hills · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Richland Hills public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
FY 2027 tax rate options
The council adopted a $26.71M budget funded at the voter-approval rate, raising the average city tax bill about $154. Some members wanted a higher 58-cent rate for cushion; others said residents already face Atmos gas and water increases and the city shouldn't add more.
FY 2025 audit findings — bank reconciliations and cash handling
The city's independent audit found bank reconciliations went undone for all of 2025 and over $31,000 in cash and checks sat undeposited in a safe. Three finance directors in under a year contributed to the breakdown; interim staff have reinstated daily deposits and are catching up on reconciliations.
Sales tax revenue decline
Sales tax is down 14–41% in recent months after major wholesale taxpayers left town. That's the city's main revenue source besides property tax, so big spending decisions may slow down.