🚨 Mesquite residents need to pay attention. 🚨
The City of Mesquite is carrying approximately $375.8 million in tax-supported debt — about $2,387 per resident.
That should concern every taxpayer, homeowner, renter, business owner, and family in our city.
Debt is not “free money.” It has to be paid back — with interest — and the burden ultimately falls on the people of Mesquite through taxes, fees, reduced flexibility in the city budget, or delayed services.
Why is this bad for citizens?
When a city takes on this much tax-supported debt, it can create long-term pressure on future property taxes. Even renters are affected, because higher property costs can get passed down through rent increases.
It can also limit what the city can afford later. Every dollar used to pay debt and interest is a dollar that cannot be used for roads, police, fire, parks, drainage, code enforcement, neighborhood improvements, or basic city services.
Even more concerning: a large portion of Mesquite’s tax-supported debt appears to come from Certificates of Obligation, which can be issued without the same direct voter approval as traditional general obligation bonds. Residents deserve to know why this route is being used and how much more debt the city plans to take on.
This is not about being against every project or every investment. It is about asking basic questions:
How much debt is too much?
How much will taxpayers pay in interest?
What projects did this debt fund?
Were residents given a real say?
Will this lead to higher taxes or fewer services in the future?
Mesquite families deserve transparency, accountability, and a city government that protects the long-term financial health of our community.
📢 Share this. Ask questions. Show up. Pay attention.
Because this debt will not be paid by “the city.”
It will be paid by us.