Lavaca County has adopted its budget for the fiscal year 2027, which includes a significant increase in property tax revenue, according to the Lavaca County Official Site. The budget, approved unanimously by the Commissioners Court, is set to raise $1,195,787 more from property taxes than the previous year, marking a 5.60 percent increase.
The property tax rate for the 2026-2027 fiscal year has been set at 0.6041, up from 0.5497 in the previous year. This increase is part of a broader strategy to generate additional revenue, with $1,441,726 expected to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year. The budget was certified by County Judge Keith Mudd, County Clerk Barbara Steffek, and County Auditor Sheila Velasquez.
Tax Rate Changes and Fund Allocations
The budget details a comprehensive breakdown of tax rates across various funds. The General Fund tax rate has increased from 0.3427 to 0.3868, while the Road and Bridge Fund maintains a steady rate of 0.1037. The Farm to Market Road Fund sees a slight increase from 0.1033 to 0.1136. These adjustments contribute to the total operating tax rate of 0.6041 for the county.
Despite the increased tax rates, the county's debt obligations remain at zero, as indicated by the unchanged debt service levy rate of 0.0000. This financial strategy allows the county to focus on maintenance and operational needs without accruing additional debt.
Revenue and Collection Projections
The budget projects a total property value of $3,741,934,139 for the General Fund, with an expected tax levy of $14,473,801. Including levies on frozen values, the total levy for the General Fund amounts to $15,622,840, with an anticipated 98% collection rate yielding $15,310,384.
Similarly, the Road and Bridge Fund is projected to generate $3,880,386 in tax revenue, with a total levy of $4,188,446 and a collection expectation of $4,104,677. The Farm Market Road Fund is forecasted to bring in $4,240,734, with a total levy of $4,635,070 and a collection of $4,542,369.
The overall maintenance and operating tax levy stands at $22,594,921, with a total levy of $24,446,356 and a projected collection of $23,957,429. These figures underscore the county's commitment to maintaining robust infrastructure and services while managing fiscal responsibilities effectively.
As Lavaca County enters the new fiscal year, the approved budget reflects a strategic approach to balancing increased revenue needs with prudent financial management, ensuring that the county continues to meet the needs of its residents without incurring additional debt.