BCISD Tax Rate Decreases

Tax Rate Decreases After $27.5 Million Bond Passes With No Increase to Taxpayers

Bridge City Independent School District (BCISD) has officially adopted a lower tax rate for the 2025–2026 fiscal year, dropping the rate by .0477 cents per $100 of assessed value. This follows the successful passage of a $27.5 million bond earlier this year to fund a new Performing Arts Center — with no tax increase to residents, just as the district promised.

“We said we could do this without a tax rate increase and we delivered,” said Dr. Mike Kelly, Superintendent of Bridge City ISD. “In fact, we didn’t just hold the line. We’re lowering the tax rate. This shows that responsible planning and community trust go hand-in-hand.”

The newly adopted rate — .9490 per $100 of assessed valuation — is down from last year’s $0.9967, delivering real savings to local taxpayers while major capital projects move forward on schedule. For the average Bridge City ISD household, that’s $350 less in school taxes this year. “Since 2019, our funding has remained virtually flat yet we’ve improved facilities, expanded student programs and resources, and kept our budgets balanced,” said Superintendent Dr. Mike Kelly. “That’s not just good financial management, that’s doing more with less, and it’s why BCISD taxpayers are seeing lower rates while our students are seeing greater opportunities.”

“There was some doubt during the bond campaign, a few said it couldn’t be done without raising taxes,” Dr. Kelly added. “We heard that. And now, we’re proud to say the tax rate is going down just as we said. In fact, this marks the 3rd consecutive year that BCISD has lowered our tax rate and it’s the lowest our tax rate has been in nearly 30 years.” 

The Performing Arts Center, funded by the $27.5 million bond, will serve all BCISD students and provide a modern venue for concerts, theatre productions, fine arts education, and community events. Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2026, following the design and planning phase now underway.

“This new center will be a lasting investment in the creativity, talent, and future of our students,” Dr. Kelly said. “It reflects what we stand for in Bridge City being Best in Class in everything we do.”