It’s Budget Time, and They’re Growing!

By Gloria Way

  The truth of the matter is … Chambers County is growing. Chambers County is the sixth fastest growing county in the state and 10th fastest growing county in the country. And, as a county, we must be prepared to accommodate the growth with as little financial pain as possible. That means road and bridges need to be built, drainage systems need to expand, healthcare services need to increase, more law enforcement must be present, parks and recreational complexes need to expand, and educational institutions must adapt. And to do so costs money.

  It is budget time around the county. All taxing entities must develop a budget that will meet the needs of the current population and the expected growth that is forthcoming while considering the financial strain on the taxpayer.

  The loudest cry for financial responsibility from the taxing entities is coming from property taxpayers. Because of the county’s growth, the demand for housing has skyrocketed and as a result, the appraisals and costs of single-family homes have increased drastically. But one must remember that the Chambers County Appraisal District works independently of Commissioners Court and the Court has absolutely nothing to do with the appraisal district other than appointing members to its board of directors.

  Chambers County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing on the final 2026 budget in two weeks (September 9th in the county courthouse at 10am), and vote on it two weeks later. The 2026 budget is roughly $100 million based on a tax rate of $0.439746/100. The property tax rate has been cut once again but property owners will still be paying more in taxes despite the rate cut due to the rise in property appraisals. The county issued a notice that said “This budget (2026) will raise more total property taxes than last year’s budget by $13,391,835.25 and 16.97%, and of that amount $13,214,866.25 is tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year.”

  The Commissioners did deliver a significant exemption in March 2025. For county property taxes, residents aged 65 or older and/or disabled qualify for a 20% reduction off the market value, plus an additional $200,000 exemption. This means that if your home’s assessed value is $400,000 or less, you may owe zero county property tax. This updated exemption applies to the 2025 tax bills which are issued toward the end of the year. Aside from the county exemption, other taxing entities such as school districts, cities, hospital districts, utility districts, etc., may offer their own over-65 exemptions.

  Trinity Bay Conservation District (TBCD) has presented its 2025-2026 fiscal budget. Its budget is based on the current tax rate of 0.29616/100. TBCD operates under one umbrella but are two separate entities. The general fund or drainage is funded by property taxes. Water/sewer is funded by users’ fees (customers who use TBCD water and sewer).

  Revenue and expenses expected from the drainage is $5,407,170, which is from property taxes. Total revenues from water/sewer user fees is $8,506,200, and expenditures are the same. The total budget for TBCD 2025-2026 is $13,913,370. A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10^th, at 9am at the TBCD offices in Stowell.

  If you would like to address the commissioners and/or the TBCD board of directors, please attend the public hearings scheduled.