City Council voted Aug. 20 to propose lowering the total property tax rate by less than 1 cent. But rising appraisals means this city still projects a 5.9 percent increase in total property tax revenues.

The first of two public hearings on the proposed 40.7-cent per $100 valuation rate takes place at 7 p.m. today at the Windcrest Civic Center. The second hearing will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the civic center.

If adopted by council Sept. 17, the new tax rate, which combines maintenance and operation, and debt service, would become effective Oct. 1, the start of fiscal year 2008. The current tax rate is 41.2 cents

According to the Bexar Appraisal District, total appraised value of all property has risen from $412 million to $458 million.

The total taxable value of property has increased $387 million to $429 million. The average residential homestead’s appraised value in Windcrest has gone up from $145,711 to $160,382.

In other action Aug. 20, council:

• Ordered a Nov. 6 election on whether to adopt a home-rule charter. Public education forums are being scheduled, and copies of the proposed charter will be mailed to residents prior to early voting.

• Approved consent agenda items, including confirming reimbursement of costs that the city incurred defending Texas Ethics Commission complaints. The complaints were filed in response to public information published before the last tax-freeze referendum. The reimbursement was reported at $8,032.30.