ATX-SWA: Extra Edition 11/4/2025

The Austin tax rate election ballot measure Proposition Q appears headed for failure, based only on early voting results released after 7 p.m. Nov. 4.
Early vote totals out of Hays, Travis and Williamson counties show Proposition Q being rejected by a two-to-one margin, with 60,225 votes cast against—more than 67%—versus just 29,568 votes cast in favor.
Proposition Q asked voters to approve a 20% increase to Austin's property tax rate, as set by City Council during their budget adoption this summer. The higher rate would generate about $110 million in additional revenue for various programs.
If the election outcome holds, Austin officials must revise the city's budget based on a lower tax rate—one that's still about 10% higher than last year's, and that would add about $105 to the typical homeowner's tax bill.

Hays County voters are deciding on a potential tax rate increase for the North Hays County Emergency Services District No. 1, which serves the Dripping Springs, Driftwood and Henley areas.
What's happening
Early voting results show that 62.34% of voters are in favor of the measure. 

Texas voters weighed in on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution during the Nov. 4 election.

The overview: Some of the state propositions on the ballot included:

• Proposition 1: new funding to support the Texas State Technical College System
• Proposition 3: tighter restrictions on when Texas judges can grant bail for felony offenses
• Proposition 4: $20 billion for water supply projects and infrastructure
• Proposition 9: a $125,000 property tax exemption for businesses
• Propositions 11 and 13: expanded property tax exemptions for Texas homeowners
• Proposition 14: $3 billion to create a state dementia research institute