HARRISON COUNTY, Texas – County commissioners voted to raise the property tax rate this year, a move aimed at offsetting sharply rising operating costs for local government services. The increase translates to roughly $15 more per year for owners of a $100,000 home, according to the county’s finance office.
Why the increase was deemed necessary
County Judge Chad Sims explained that the county is confronting the same inflation pressures that residents feel in their daily lives. “Everything that we use is going up. Nothing is getting cheaper,” Sims said. “And so as those costs increase, we’re forced to raise the budget, we’re forced to raise additional funds.”
Sims noted that while the added tax burden is modest for individual homeowners, it helps preserve essential services that would otherwise face cuts. He warned that without the increase, the county could be forced to reduce services or delay critical projects.
Comparison with neighboring counties
Judge Sims also highlighted that Harrison County remains more affordable than many surrounding jurisdictions. “They’re concerned about their taxes and the costs. I get that,” he said. “But if you move out of this county to any of our neighbors, you’re going to pay a lot more, 50% more.”
This comparative argument is intended to reassure taxpayers that the modest hike keeps the county competitive while still funding necessary operations.
State‑level context
Governor Greg Abbott, a longtime advocate for limiting local tax increases, recently aired a campaign advertisement urging tighter restrictions. “Your property taxes are too high,” Abbott said. “Local governments must live within their means. I want all property tax increases to be voted on by two‑thirds of the voters.”
County officials acknowledge the governor’s stance but point out that state‑imposed caps on revenue growth and unfunded mandates make budgeting increasingly difficult. “And the state says, ‘Oh, counties can only raise your rate 3.5%,’” Sims said. “Well now that sounds good about keeping the tax rate low. But what do you do when your costs are going up 10, 15, 20%? You have to cut services.”
Budget details
The newly approved budget does not contain cost‑of‑living raises for county employees, a decision made to keep payroll growth in line with revenue constraints. However, the budget does increase the county’s contribution to the employee retirement program, ensuring long‑term pension stability.
Commissioners emphasized that the tax increase is a responsible response to the fiscal reality facing many Texas counties, balancing the need for reliable services with the desire to keep taxes as low as possible.
What this means for residents
Homeowners can expect a slight uptick on their next property tax bill, but the county assures that the additional revenue will be directed toward maintaining road maintenance, public safety, and other core services. Residents who have concerns are encouraged to attend upcoming county commission meetings, where the budget implementation will be discussed in detail.
Overall, the decision reflects a pragmatic approach: modestly raising taxes to preserve the quality of life that Harrison County residents value, while staying mindful of the governor’s call for fiscal restraint.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
