Bexar County commissioners voted unanimously March 22 to approve a $5,000 homestead exemption, the county’s first exemption for eligible homeowners.

According to Precinct 3 Commissioner Marialyn Barnard, who proposed the exemption, providing a $5,000 deduction from the appraised value for primary residences will help many homeowners lower their tax bills.

“In a year when we as a county are expected to receive record increases in tax appraisals, it makes sense to help the homeowner,” Barnard said. “I want to remind everyone to apply for your homestead exemption, if you have not already. It has never been more important to have a homestead or other exemptions than it is today.”

Barnard said the exemption is also helpful during a time of increases in home values in regions across Texas.

According to the Texas Association of Appraisal Districts, there has been an increase in appraised property values statewide between 10%-50% since last year.

According to a report provided by the Texas A&M Real Estate Research Center, appraised values in the San Antonio-New Braunfels metropolitan statistical area are up 18.37% year over year.