Since 2019, almost every taxing entity in Refugio County has enjoyed modestly higher tax receipts from residents.
This is the conclusion of an analysis of taxation trends across all taxing entities in the county from 2019 to 2022.
Refugio Central Appraisal District data was used to calculate the average taxable values of single-family homes in 2019, 2021, and 2022. These figures, multiplied by the property tax rates, provide an average property tax bill for single-family homes in this area.
Several entities showed a marked increase in average tax bills over three years.
Refugio ISD was the only taxing entity in the county that raised its rate over this period, resulting in a 31 percent jump in the average tax bill from $366 to $480.
Austwell-Tivoli ISD saw the most substantial increase, with average tax bills rising from $404 in 2019 to $539 in 2022—an increase of 33.21 percent. This growth reflects a 47.62 percent rise in taxable values and the district not dropping its rate to compensate.
Taxing entities in the county demonstrated fiscal restraint, which kept average tax bills relatively stable.
Austwell Town dropped its rate from .31 to .24, offset by increasing valuations. This meant a flat $160 payment, on average, was maintained from 2019 to 2022.
The same restraint can be seen in Bayside Town, which had a minimal increase of 1.13 percent, with average bills inching up from $452 to $457.
Unlike its counterparts, Woodsboro ISD saw a modest 3.47 percent rise, moving from $537 to $556.
These entities illustrate a commitment to fiscal stability, shielding taxpayers from significant increases during the period analyzed.
Overall, compared to others across the state, Refugio County residents deal with taxing entities that keep taxes in check. They can rest easy knowing that none of the taxing entities have hired taxpayer-funded lobbyists in 2024.
Understanding taxation trends and notable expenditures, like hiring lobbyists to keep taxes high, helps taxpayers hold their elected officials accountable.
From now until tax day in 2025, Texas Scorecard will report on counties across the state, highlighting local officials working to lighten, or at the very least not add to, property taxpayers’ burdens.
Conversely, public servants who have added to taxpayers’ already burdensome load will also be scrutinized.
