San Augustine County, one of the oldest in Texas, has a rich historical legacy, as it was one of the original 23 counties established by the Republic of Texas in 1836.
According to a review of recent tax levies and average taxable values between 2019 and 2022, the county’s taxing entities appear to be focused on keeping taxes predictable over a period marked by uncertainty.
Starting with the bad news first: taxing entities raised rates during this time; specifically, two school districts adjusted their tax rates upward.
Broaddus ISD raised its rate from 1.02 in 2019 to 1.1 in 2022, boosting revenues alongside modest growth in average taxable values, which rose from $22,488 to $24,291.
The other tax hiker was Brookeland ISD, which also implemented an increase. Its rate climbed slightly from 0.94 in 2019 to 0.944 in 2022 following a temporary dip in 2021.
In 2023, San Augustine ISD held a bond election for a $32 million bond, which was successfully passed. The bond was meant to fund new safety and security features, a multi-purpose fine arts center, and an athletic facility, and to renovate San Augustine Elementary.
San Augustine is a tiny county with a population of fewer than 8,000, ranking 172 of 254 counties in Texas. The bond, which was voted on by residents of SAISD, received 550 votes in favor and 364 votes against.
Now, for the good: San Augustine County kept rates relatively flat over the three-year period with a slight decrease from 0.326 in 2021 to 0.304 in 2022. Despite stable rates, rising property values drove up average tax bills, reflecting a 26.54 percent increase in taxable values.
The City of San Augustine emerged as the standout entity. It reduced its tax rate from 0.607 in 2019 to 0.434 in 2022, delivering substantial relief to local taxpayers. The reduction came amid a 21.49 percent growth in average taxable values, which helped offset revenue losses while still resulting in lower bills for taxpayers.
From now until tax day in 2025, Texas Scorecard will report on counties across the state, highlighting local officials who are working to lighten—or at the very least not increase—property taxpayers’ burdens.
Conversely, public servants who have added to taxpayers’ already burdensome loads will also come under scrutiny.
