The Hays County Commissioners Court voted last week to adopt the FY2026 budget which included adopting a property tax rate of $.3999 per $100 valuation, representing an 11.27% increase.
The average home value in Hays County is $460,169. The new rate represents a tax increase of $225.87 for the Hays County tax portion only.
“While the tax rate has gone down consistently over the years, the recent [tax rate] increases, are directly attributed to the addition of services the County is now providing – additional Judicial Services related to pretrial services, additional magistration, the Public Defender’s Office, animal welfare services and more – which alone account for a $.0125 increase on the tax rate,” said Vickie Dorsett, Hays County Budget Officer. “The judicial aspect of this is essential in reducing recidivism in Hays County. These are programs for which we haven’t had to tax citizens in the past due to available American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.”
“Property taxes are the primary source of revenue for counties in Texas, and our Commissioners Court is dedicated to maintaining a low tax rate while balancing the growing infrastructure needs and providing superior services to the citizens of Hays County,” Dorsett said.
In the FY26 budget, funds were approved at a total of $373,849,226, comprising operating funds of $248,226,263, debt funds of $55,300,195, and construction funds of $70,322,768.
The FY26 budget focuses on key initiatives to address capital infrastructure needs, including road improvements and county facilities, as well as funding to continue essential judicial services. Additionally, it allocates funds to partner with local municipalities and non-profits for enhanced animal welfare services.
“One of the key indicators of the tax rate is population,” said Dorsett. “Since 2010, the population in Hays County has grown by 93% while the tax rate has consistently decreased during that period. Since 2000, the population has increased by 210%. These are the drivers for the need for additional services.”
“This budget reflects both the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly growing county,” said Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra. “We are delivering essential services — from judicial and public safety programs to public infrastructure and mental health support — while keeping the tax rate among the lowest in the region. Our responsibility is to balance fiscal accountability with the needs of our community, and I believe this budget strikes that balance for the people of Hays County.”
Following the budget hearing, the court also voted unanimously, 5-0, to approve the FY26 salaries and allowances for elected officials.
More information is available at www.hayscountytx. com/budget-office.
The property tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year is $6.9 million.
According to , The budget is expected to raise more revenue from property taxes than last year’s budget by $16.9 million, representing an 11.27% increase. The property tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year is $6.9 million.
