NATIONAL

Climate's sticker shock
Axios
The hidden costs of living in U.S. areas susceptible to extreme weather are becoming increasingly obvious — and expensive, Nathan writes. Why it matters: Intense heat, devastating floods and ravaging wildfires are disrupting life globally. But they're also driving up living expenses, creating unexpected bills and triggering existential headaches.

MISSISSIPPI

Rankin County tax assessor accused of rape found not guilty
SuperTalk Mississippi
Following a three-day trial, Rankin County Tax Assessor John Sullivan has been found not guilty on three counts of sexual battery and one count of simple assault. Sullivan, 53, who was accused of raping a 19-year-old woman in 2022 after meeting her at a bar, was seen mouthing the words, “thank you,” to the jury of one woman and 11 men after they reached the verdict, according to WLBT.

TEXAS

San Antonio City Council sets new, slightly lower property tax rate
San Antonio Report
The San Antonio City Council unanimously voted Thursday to propose a property tax rate of $.54159 per $100 of valuation for the 2024 fiscal year, down from the 2023 fiscal year rate of $.54161 per $100 of valuation. The move comes as the city's General Fund is expected to increase by 5.3%, including major investments in public safety and proposed increases to residents' solid waste fees. 

Nueces County Appraisal District tax valuation disputes remain unresolved
KRISTV
Del Mar College officials learned late Wednesday that a dispute between two refineries and the Nueces County Appraisal District remains unresolved. The appraisal district and Valero Energy had a scheduled mediation, but did not resolve the dispute regarding it's $2.5 billion tax valuation.

WASHINGTON

Average home value in Pierce County drops 3% over 2022
The Eatonville Dispatch
Residential values across Pierce County are beginning to flatten from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with an average 3% drop in home values. Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer Mike Lonergan's office found that the average single-family home dropped from $572,100 in 2022 to $554,500 in 2023.