Lampasas County shifts to tier 2 appraisal district following population growth

The Lampasas City Council convened on June 9, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding the local appraisal district and its budgetary needs. The meeting highlighted significant discrepancies in budgeting practices and the implications of population changes on the appraisal district's tier classification.

The discussion began with an overview of the Department of Justice's challenges and the impact of population growth on the appraisal district's tier status. Lampasas transitioned from a tier 3 to a tier 2 appraisal district in 2012 due to a population increase to over 20,000. However, the council acknowledged that budgeting had continued as if the district remained tier 3, leading to financial shortfalls.

Key figures were presented, indicating that the average budget for tier 2 appraisal districts is approximately $1.5 million, while Lampasas has been operating with a budget of only $890,000. This underfunding has hindered the district's ability to keep pace with new construction and property valuations, resulting in a backlog in the reappraisal plan that has not been completed since 2020.

The council discussed the staffing needs of the appraisal district, noting that the current structure is inadequate for the volume of parcels requiring assessment. A recommendation was made to increase the number of appraisers to meet the demands of the growing population and property market.

Budget allocations were also a focal point, with the council proposing a new budget of $1.58 million, which includes a clearer separation of costs between appraisal and collection services. The council emphasized that this budget increase is necessary to address past shortfalls and to ensure that the appraisal district can effectively manage the increasing number of properties.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the urgent need for Lampasas to adjust its budgeting practices in line with its current tier classification and population growth. The council plans to follow up on these discussions to ensure that the appraisal district is adequately funded and staffed to meet the demands of the community.