2022 Special Election

Election Results

A Special Election was held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters of Helotes, Texas, the question of increasing the local sales and use tax rate by 0.25% (“quarter-cent”). This question was on the ballot as Proposition A. The increase would change the existing sales and use tax rate from 1.00% to 1.25%.

The official election results were canvassed by City Council on Tuesday, November 18, 2022. The votes reflect that Proposition A passed. To view the official canvass, click here.

Sales Tax Special Election FAQ

The City of Helotes currently has 0.25% (quarter-cent) of local sales and use tax capacity available. Increases in the local sales and use tax rate can be adopted in one-eighth of one-cent increments. The purpose of the following FAQ section is to provide factual information on the sales and use tax special election.

What is a sales and use tax?

In Texas, sales tax is applied to the purchase of most goods and services. Texas sales tax varies by location. There is a statewide sales tax of 6.25%. In addition, local taxing jurisdictions such as cities, can impose a sales tax of up to 2.00%, for a maximum tax rate of 8.25%.

What is the current sales and use tax rate in Helotes?

The current total sales and use tax rate in the City of Helotes is 8.00%. If the proposed additional sales and use tax of 0.25% (quarter-cent) is approved by Helotes voters during the November 8, 2022, election, the rate would increase to 8.25%.

The current sales and use tax rate for Helotes breaks down as follows:

  • 6.25% – State of Texas;
  • 0.50% – City of Helotes Economic Development Corporation (HEDC);
  • 1.00% – City of Helotes General Fund; and
  • 0.25% – City of Helotes Street Maintenance, reauthorized by voters in May 2019.
What are the current sales and use tax rates of neighboring cities?

Below are the current sales and use tax rates of neighboring cities:

  • Boerne – 8.25%
  • Bandera – 8.25%
  • Castroville – 8.25%
  • Leon Valley –  8.25%
  • Shavano Park – 8.25%
  • Hollywood Park – 8.25%
  • San Antonio – 8.25%
What is the ballot question?

Registered voters in Helotes will be able to vote “FOR” or “AGAINST” the following proposition:

“The adoption of a local sales and use tax in the City of Helotes at the rate of 1.25%. This is an increase of 0.25% from the existing 1.00%.”

If approved by Helotes voters, what would the revenue from the new quarter-cent sales and use tax be used for?

The proposed quarter-cent sales and use tax revenue would increase the City of Helotes General Fund allocation from 1.00% to 1.25%. (This is an increase of 0.25% from the existing 1.00%). City Council has identified the need for additional police officers and has prioritized these positions to be paid for by this sales tax increase. Proceeds in the General Fund pay for services that include police, fire, the maintenance and beautification of City parks, public works, special community events, and infrastructure improvements.

How much revenue is a quarter-cent sales and use tax expected to generate?

If approved, the quarter-cent would generate approximately $350,000.00 in revenue during Fiscal Year 2022-2023.

If disapproved by Helotes voters, what would be the effect?

Sales Tax would remain the same and the City would have to find other revenue sources for additional police officers and other City services.

Will my property tax rate change?

No, this election has nothing to do with property tax rates in Helotes.

Where else can I find information on the sales and use tax in Texas?

For more information, visit the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts website.

Educational Materials

Election Order

FAQ Flyer

Early Voting Locations & Hours

Sample Ballot

Town Hall

City of Helotes hosted a Town Hall meeting on October 20, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. inside the City Hall Council Chambers. The purpose of the Town Hall was to provide more information on the upcoming Sales Tax Special Election. The Town Hall was open to the public and was live-streamed on the City’s YouTube channel.

We invited the community to participate by sharing their questions about the Sales Tax Special Election. The City attempted to answer all the questions at the Town Hall, however, priority was given to Helotes residents/land owners. The closing date to submit a question for the Town Hall was at noon on October 19, 2022. If you would still like to submit a question, please click the button below to fill out the Town Hall Question Card.

To view the Town Hall recording, click here.

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