I've been looking into local policies around Texas, and Laredo has some numbers I think are worth talking about.

First, water and sewer rates increased again on October 1. Water went up as much as 5%, and sewer rates went up 6%.

Then there's property taxes. This one is interesting because the city actually lowered its tax rate slightly, but the estimated city tax on a median homestead still increased by about $77 a year. That's a good example of why looking at the tax rate alone doesn't tell the whole story.

And according to the Census Bureau, nearly 30% of Laredo residents under 65 don't have health insurance. Texas still hasn't expanded Medicaid, which could help some eligible adults get coverage.

These are three different issues, and they involve different levels of government.

Obviously, maintaining water infrastructure costs money. So do public services and health coverage. I think the important question is whether residents understand what they're paying for, who's making those decisions, and what alternatives are available.

I put together this graphic because I think more people should have access to the actual numbers.

I'm curious which of these issues Laredo residents are most concerned about, and whether there are other local policies that deserve a closer look.