The City of Raymondville plans to increase the tax rate by almost a nickle per hundred dollars valuation -- 4.8¢ to exact. City Manager Eleazar "Yogi" Garcia says the extra income is needed to offset the loss of about $100,000 this year, caused by a decline in retail sales and services and a corresponding decline in sales tax revenue.

A public hearing to give citizens a chance to comment on the proposed tax hike will be held in the 2nd floor meeting room at city hall on Thurs., Sept. 9, at 5 p.m. Interested persons will be offered the opportunity to make their views known to the mayor and city commissioners.