“I have grave concerns that municipalities across Texas have blatantly violated the law in an attempt to crank up people’s property taxes,” Attorney General Ken Paxton said. “My message to these cities is this: don’t mess with Texas taxpayers. Local governments must abide by the law, and I will take every step to defend the people of Texas and their hard-earned dollars.”
During the regular legislative session this year, the legislature passed bills to impose additional restrictions on localities levying property taxes. Among them was SB 1851, which Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law. It went into effect Sept. 1.
It authorizes the attorney general to determine if a city government complied with municipal auditing requirements. Texas Local Government Code stipulates that municipalities must have their records and accounts audited every year and prepare their financial statements based on the audit. All related documents must be filed in the office of the municipal secretary or clerk within 180 days after the last day of the municipality’s fiscal year.
If this isn’t done, citizens have the right to file a complaint with the OAG to investigate. If the OAG investigates and determines a municipality is in violation of the law, the OAG may then prohibit it from adopting an ad valorem tax rate that exceeds the no-new revenue tax rate, according to the law.
Cities that don’t meet the state’s auditing requirements are then restricted to only increase taxes enough to maintain the previous year’s amount of revenue, according to the law.
The municipalities being investigated either submitted their reports late or not at all, according to the complaints filed. They also increased property taxes by up to 51%, well above the legally allowed no-new-revenue rate stipulated by state law.
After the leaders of the governments of La Marque, Odessa, Tom Bean and Whitesboro passed property tax increases that appeared to violate the law, taxpayers complained to the OAG, which launched investigations.
Paxton sent a letter to the mayors and city council members of each city stating, “I am formally launching an investigation into the [respective city] to determine whether the new tax rate is illegal. Furthermore, I am demanding that the new tax rate not be implemented until I complete my investigation.”
His letter to La Marque’s mayor and city council states they didn’t comply with filing requirements, filing documents six months after the deadline. His letter to Whitesboro’s mayor and city council makes a similar claim, stating they filed the required documents three months after the deadline.
Paxton’s letter to Odessa’s mayor and city council states his office hasn’t been able to find an audit report or financial statement for the previous fiscal year. It states the city’s last publicly published audit was from fiscal 2023.
His letter to Tom Bean’s mayor and city council makes a similar claim, stating the city’s last published audit was from fiscal 2020, which was uploaded online in 2022.
The letters order the officials of each city to not implement the tax hikes and requests a range of financial information and documents be submitted to his office.
“Texans deserve government at all levels that understands the impact of taxes on economic prosperity and keeps dollars in their pockets,” Paxton said. “Burdensome tax increases are antithetical to the spirit that drives Texas and require the utmost scrutiny both by the citizenry and by the State.”
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
