Mayor Fuchs Clarifies Audit Timeline Following AG Paxton's Property Tax Restriction

CAMERON, TX — Following the recent announcement by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton blocking more than 130 Texas cities—including 14 in the Brazos Valley—from raising property taxes, Cameron Mayor Fuchs has issued a statement providing essential context to local residents regarding the city's financial reporting.

The state’s enforcement action stems from Senate Bill 1851, a law enacted last year that bars municipalities from raising property tax rates above the "no-new-revenue" rate if they fail to complete and release an annual financial statement audit in a timely manner. Attorney General Paxton stated the aggressive measure aims to ensure compliance and transparency, asserting that "cities cannot fail to abide by state audit requirements without consequences."

However, Mayor Fuchs clarified that the delay in Cameron’s reporting is a matter of conflicting government timelines rather than a lack of transparency.

According to the Mayor, because Cameron received federal funding during the last fiscal year, the city was legally mandated to undergo a highly complex "Single Audit" instead of a standard annual financial review. A Single Audit requires independent auditors to meticulously examine not only standard financial statements but also ensure absolute compliance with extensive federal regulations tracking how those specific funds were spent.

"Because of that added level of review and testing, the federal government allows up to 270 days for completion of a Single Audit, while the state is referencing a 180-day deadline," Mayor Fuchs explained. "That has created a difficult situation where we are essentially trying to comply with two different timelines from two different levels of government."

The Mayor also noted that the Attorney General’s strict enforcement push comes amidst the backdrop of an ongoing Senate primary runoff campaign.

Despite the bureaucratic friction between federal and state deadlines, Cameron residents can expect full clarity soon. Mayor Fuchs announced that the city's comprehensive audit has officially been completed and will be presented to the public at this Monday’s City Council meeting. Local citizens are encouraged to attend the meeting to review the findings and stay informed on the city's budgetary path forward.

For a wider perspective on how this state-wide enforcement is impacting local municipalities, you can watch this news report on AG Paxton's actions regarding SB 1851, which outlines the restrictions placed on Texas cities over these audit compliance deadlines.