The overview
The Hays County Commissioners Court adopted the fiscal year 2025-26 tax rate of $0.3999 per $100 valuation, up from the FY 2024-25 tax rate of $0.2256, at a Sept. 16 meeting, according to a county news release.
Commissioners also approved the county's $373.85 million budget Sept. 16.
The details
Hays County Budget Officer Vickie Dorsett said the average home is valued at $460,169, which would translate to an average annual property tax increase of $225.87 based on the new rate.
The budget is projected to generate $16.9 million more in property tax revenue than last year—a 11.27% increase—including $6.9 million from newly added properties.
Dorsett said the population of Hays County has grown 210% since 2000, and 93% since 2010, increasing the need for additional infrastructure, including judicial services related to pre-trials, additional magistration and enhancing the Public Defender’s Office, as well as animal welfare services.
“The judicial aspect of this is essential in reducing recidivism in Hays County,” Dorsett said.
Click here for more information on the budget.
