Liberty County weighs 12.5% property tax rate hike

Liberty County commissioners are considering a 12.5% increase in the county property tax rate for fiscal 2026-27 as taxable property value falls by about $2 billion. The move would raise more revenue for county services and major obligations, including the new jail, but could add pressure to homeowners already facing inflation and higher tax bills.

Why it matters: - Liberty County’s proposed tax rate would increase county property tax revenue at a time when household budgets are still under inflation pressure. - The proposal also comes as the county absorbs major costs tied to large projects, including the new Liberty County Jail. - The higher rate could affect many property owners, though individual tax bills will still depend on assessed value, exemptions and other factors.

What happened: - Liberty County commissioners are considering a 12.5% increase in the county property tax rate for the 2026-27 fiscal year. - The proposed rate is $0.5400 per $100 of taxable value, up from $0.4800 in 2025-26. - Commissioners held the first required public hearings on the proposed tax rate and budget on Sept. 8.

The details: - The county faces a decline of about $2 billion in taxable property value. - The proposed rate is above the county’s no-new-revenue rate, which means it would generate more property tax revenue than the prior year. - The proposed fiscal year 2027 budget expects about $68.65 million in General Fund revenue. - About $49.85 million of that General Fund revenue is expected to come from current property taxes. - Sales and use tax revenue is projected at about $6.74 million, down from $7.3 million in the current budget. - The proposed 54-cent rate remains below Liberty County’s 57.8-cent rate from three years ago.

Between the lines: - The county is trying to balance a lower property tax base with rising spending needs. - The rate increase is politically sensitive because it would add to tax burdens even though the proposed rate is still below a recent historical level. - O’Connor president Patrick O’Connor called the increase “regrettable” and argued that government should look for lower-cost options before raising taxes.

What’s next: - Commissioners will continue the budget and tax-rate process before the final fiscal 2026-27 decision. - Property owners who want to challenge assessments can seek help through O’Connor’s Property Tax Protection Program.

The bottom line: - Liberty County is weighing a higher tax rate to offset falling taxable value and meet budget needs, but the proposal would likely keep pressure on local taxpayers.