Unlike elected officials in other parts of the country, such as California and Washington, D.C., it appears as though our local government leaders are listening to their constituents and doing their part to limit tax rate increases.

While many people are suffering across the country because of the struggling economy and high unemployment, it seems this would be the wise choice, rather than increasing their tax burden.

The county’s largest taxing entity, the Beeville Independent School District, is holding the line on property taxes.

BISD trustees voted last week to keep the same tax rate of $1.04 as last year; however, property value increases will mean some will pay slightly more in taxes. This rate also will include 27.806 cents to pay outstanding debts, making the total $1.31806.

“...we have been at the $1.04 (rate) for the past three years,” Linda O’Connell, BISD finance director, said. “Next year will be our fourth year.”

That means the average home owner will pay an additional $50.57 in taxes compared to last year. That is because the taxable value of the average home has increased in value from $55,971 last year to $59,805.

Superintendent Dr. Sue Thomas said, “Our property values went up a tiny bit. Not a lot but it was enough to make up the difference,” she said.

That increase in property values coupled with budget cuts is what made it possible for trustees to create a balanced budget.

Meanwhile, Bee County commissioners have proposed an increase of 3.5 cents above the effective tax rate for the upcoming year. However, sources indicate the county will approve only a 2.5- to 3-cent hike.

At the 3-cent higher rate, a person with a $100,000 home will pay $30 more in taxes compared to the effective rate.

At their last budget meeting, commissioners seemed to be leaning toward the lower rate.

County Auditor Blandina V. Costley, in responding to a question from County Judge David Silva, said that the 2.5-cent increase would fit the budget – assuming everything worked out as planned.

In a special meeting Tuesday evening, Coastal Bend College’s board of trustees adopted a proposed tax rate of 16.8 cents per $100 of property value, which was last year’s rate.

The board will vote whether to adopt the proposed rate at September’s meeting.

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, CBC President Dr. Thomas Baynum told the board he was “pleased to present a balanced budget.”

Beeville’s City Council, at its Tuesday night meeting, discussed raising the tax rate to a level at or under the current rollback rate, 60 cents per $100 value.

Council members will make a final decision after spending more time in budget workshops with the city staff. Two public hearings will be set in September at City Hall.

They were expected to reduce the rate closer to the current effective rate of 58 cents before its adoption.

We much prefer local entities keeping the tax rate the same as last year’s but would appreciate their only increasing it by a penny or two. We commend them for their efforts in this time of double-dip recession angst and uncertainty.