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Texas now requires cities to do an audit before raising property taxes. Some small towns can’t afford it.
By Joshua Fechter, The Texas Tribune at KXXV
· June 5, 2026
· 6 min read
When Monte Walker took the reins as city manager of Howe, a town with a population of 3,686 some 50 miles north of Dallas, the city hadnt audited its books for two years even though state law says they must be done annually. The town had seen turnover in its management, and past...
Key takeaway The town had seen turnover in its management, and past officials hadnt gotten those audits done before he took the job in 2023, Walker said.
Why this matters in Waco
The upcoming Expunction Fair in McLennan County is a significant opportunity for residents to clear their records and start anew. For those who have been hindered by past mistakes, expungement can be a crucial step towards rehabilitation and reintegration into the community. With Baylor University and a growing local economy, Waco is a city that offers many chances for personal and professional growth, but a criminal record can often be a major obstacle. By providing a chance for expungement, the McLennan County District Attorney's Office is helping to level the playing field and give residents a fair shot at success. As the Expunction Fair approaches, it will be worth watching to see how many residents take advantage of this opportunity and how it impacts the community as a whole, particularly in terms of employment and education opportunities within the Waco ISD and Midway ISD school districts.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV . Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 5, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? When Monte Walker took the reins as city manager of Howe, a town with a population of 3,686 some 50 miles north of Dallas, the city hadnt audited its books for two years even though state law says they must be done annually. The town had seen turnover in its management, and past...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 5, 2026 by KXXV and curated for Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joshua Fechter, The Texas Tribune at KXXV. To learn more about how Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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