Local governments have not been properly notifying homeowners of their expected property tax increases since 1978, disregarding a requirement of the Texas Constitution, an academic researcher told lawmakers on Wednesday.

PORT ARANSAS — To the east, the Gulf of Mexico stretches out, blue-green and sparkling. To the west and north, flounder and trout meander in a chain of bays. People flock here to fish. Others come to this beach town near Corpus Christi to kayak, parasail or admire the hundreds of bird species on the…

Victoria businessman Will Armstrong said without the Victoria Economic Development Corp., the city wouldn’t have been able to land the investment Caterpillar brought to the community, which started other new development along Houston Highway and Lone Tree Road.

“One of the major trends that we’re seeing is the dramatic increase in property values,” said John Kennedy a senior analyst at Texas Taxpayers and Research Association.

AUSTIN — Texas faces four problematic long-term financial obligations, according to the state comptroller, and waiting to address them will only hurt more.