The most accurate response regarding how public debt became an issue prior to the annexation of Texas is:
Texas started off in debt and continued by taking loans and printing more money to make ends meet.
Before and after gaining independence from Mexico, the Republic of Texas found itself in a precarious financial situation. The costs associated with fighting the Mexican-American War and maintaining its governance led to significant loans being taken out, and the government also resorted to printing more currency, which further exacerbated the economic challenges and inflation. This mounting debt was an underlying issue that influenced Texas's consideration to join the United States.