Hays Voters Reject Property Tax Increase, Other Districts Approve Rates

HAYS, Texas — Voters in Hays County overwhelmingly rejected a 12-cent property tax increase on November 4, 2025, which school district officials said was crucial to avoid deeper cuts to student services. About 61% of nearly 16,000 voters opposed the proposition, according to unofficial results.

In contrast, two other school districts in Central Texas — Liberty Hill and Taylor — approved higher tax rates. Liberty Hill voters backed a 7-cent increase to help cover maintenance and operational costs related to salary increases and rising utility expenses. Approximately 53.6% of voters supported the measure, which will generate around $10.9 million annually.

Hays school officials argued that the proposed increase to $1.2746 per $100 of property valuation was necessary to prevent staff cuts, maintain smaller class sizes, and restore the district’s fund balance, which shrank from $67.5 million in 2020 to $20 million this year.

Even if the tax increase had passed, homeowners would not see a significant rise in their property taxes. For an average home valued at $370,000, the tax bill would have decreased by about $275 with the new rate; without it, the average bill is expected to drop by roughly $538.

In addition, Taylor ISD voters approved a tax rate of $1.0638 per $100 valuation, which is a 4-cent decrease from last year. This increase will provide an additional $650,000 in funding for classroom instruction and other student programs.

Blanco ISD and Coupland ISD did not fare as well in the election. Blanco voters rejected a 2-cent increase that would have generated roughly $500,000 annually for teacher pay, while Coupland’s proposed 3-cent increase aimed at raising $241,000 for its second campus was also turned down.

Schools across Texas are grappling with budget deficits attributed to rising costs and stagnant state funding. The recent approval of $8.5 billion for public schools by state lawmakers primarily focuses on pay raises for experienced teachers, leaving newer teachers and staff with fewer resources.

As Hays and other districts navigate these challenges, school finance remains a critical issue affecting the quality of education and resources available to students.