ANGELINA COUNTY, Texas (KTRE) – Every year, county commissioners come together and decide how they will spend their money for the next year.

In Angelina County, commissioners have moved past that stage after approving their $22 million budget for 2025, which includes a two-cent property tax increase.

“Some budgets are better than others. This was one of the more difficult budgets,” said Angelina County Judge Keith Wright.

Property tax revenue will increase by over $2 million compared to last year’s budget. Currently, the property tax rate is 0.42 percent per $100 of value. Soon it will be 0.44 percent.

Thanks to the county’s property tax exemption and prison expansion.

““It had a little more impact than we thought,” Judge Wright said.

Commissioners approved a 10 percent property tax exemption in 2023 that will reduce property taxes for homeowners.

This year, $13 million was spent on expanding the prison.

The 2025 budget allocates $1 million more to the county jail than in 2024.

“Food costs have increased dramatically. Medical costs for inmates have increased dramatically,” Judge Wright said.

The acquisition of new properties will increase tax revenues by over $500,000.

A 1.5% cost-of-living increase has been provided for county employees and over $500,000 will be spent on building paved roads and bridges.

“Do we raise more taxes? Yes, because values ​​have gone up, but it’s necessary. And not only am I really happy about it, but I think it’s something we need for our citizens,” Judge Wright said.

The commissioners will approve the property tax rate of 0.44% at their next meeting.

Click here to view the full budget.