San Patricio County officials are moving forward with plans for the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, which includes a slight increase in property tax revenue. During a public hearing held on August 25, 2025, county leaders announced that the budget would raise an additional $13,820 from property taxes compared to the previous year, marking a 0.2% increase.

The proposed budget outlines specific tax rates for various funds. The maintenance and operations tax rate is set at $0.372516 per $100 valuation, while the debt rate is proposed at $0.304525 per $100 valuation. This brings the total accounting rate to $0.409761 per $100 valuation.

In addition to the tax adjustments, the budget includes a 4% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for all county employees, excluding elected officials. Salaries for elected officials will be adjusted based on state mandates and agreements.

The public hearing allowed community members to voice their opinions on the budget, ensuring transparency and engagement in the decision-making process. As the county prepares to finalize the budget, officials emphasize the importance of balancing fiscal responsibility with the needs of the community. The next steps will involve reviewing public feedback and making necessary adjustments before the budget is adopted.