City leaders are back at budget talks tonight, trying to balance public concern over taxes with proposed staff pay raises. Residents must wait until later this summer for the city council’s final decisions. The Wharton County Central Appraisal District will release property evaluations, potentially affecting taxes. Initial estimates showed a $386 million increase in property values, but they weren’t used in budget projections. If property values rise, the current tax rate of 48.419 cents per $100 may go down, despite staff requesting a 2-3 cent increase for pay raises. Meetings are open to the public.