Staff Report
AUSTIN — The Austin Community College District (ACC) Board of Trustees voted to approve the college’s property tax rate for fiscal year 2026-27 during its regular meeting Monday, Sept. 14.
“ACC has a responsibility to be good stewards of our resources. That means planning ahead and making thoughtful decisions about how we use taxpayer dollars. Through careful budget oversight, I’m proud the board has positioned ACC to manage this year’s property tax revenue without reducing programs or services,” said Sean Hassan, ACC board chair. “At a time when many Texans are facing higher costs, we’re pleased that the average ACC property tax bill will decrease, while the college continues to invest in our students and the communities we serve.”
The board approved a tax rate of $0.103643 per $100 of property valuation, including $0.09 for maintenance and operations and $0.013643 for debt service, according to a news release. Based on the adopted rate, the annual amount of taxes imposed on an average home valued at approximately $537,358 will be $557.
“Affordability is at the heart of what we do at ACC,” said ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart. “This tax rate allows us to keep investing in the people and programs our students rely on, while recognizing that every dollar matters to the people and communities we serve. We want ACC to remain a place where cost doesn’t stand in the way of opportunity.”
The slightly higher tax rate is offset by a larger decline in property values across the ACC District, resulting in an estimated 2.2% decrease in average ACC property tax bills, said the release. The decrease applies to both residential and commercial property owners. For homesteads, the average tax bill is expected to decrease by approximately 1%.
The increase in the tax rate is related to debt service for bonds issued as part of the voter-approved 2022 General Obligation Bond Referendum. ACC's maintenance and operations tax rate is capped at $0.09.
According to the release, ACC's approved tax rate continues to rank among the lowest of Texas community colleges.
Property tax exemptions remain
ACC continues to offer property tax exemptions for eligible homeowners:
• Homestead exemption: ACC provides a $5,000 homestead exemption to all residential taxpayers or 1% of the property's value, whichever is greater.
• Exemption for seniors and homeowners with disabilities: ACC provides an additional $75,000 exemption for homeowners age 65 and older and homeowners with disabilities, for a total homestead exemption of $80,000.
• Commercial property: Commercial properties are taxed at the same ACC tax rate as residential properties. Under the Texas Property Tax Code; however, commercial properties are taxed on both real and personal property, while residential properties are taxed only on real property.
Annual budget
In July, the board adopted a $583 million operating budget for FY27. Approximately 67% of ACC’s annual budget comes from property tax revenue, with additional support from tuition, fees and state funding.
The board also voted earlier this year to maintain in-district tuition rates for the 13th consecutive year.
For more information about the college’s budget and tax rate, visit bit.ly/4AVfHhR.
