During a recent special council meeting on September 25, 2025, the City Council of Keene, Texas, discussed significant increases in property tax revenues over the past several years, highlighting the financial impact on local taxpayers and the city’s budget.

A council member presented a detailed analysis of tax payments from a specific property, measuring just 0.275 acres, to illustrate the trend. The taxpayer's contributions have risen sharply since 2018, with payments increasing from $2,800.45 in 2018 to $6,596.59 in 2023. This represents a staggering increase of over 135% in just five years. The council member noted that the city’s revenue from this property alone has seen annual growth rates ranging from 4.3% to as high as 15.06% in recent years.

In 2024, the property tax payment was $6,298.03, reflecting a 9.1% increase from the previous year, which generated an additional $240,020 for the city. The trend continued into 2025, with a projected 10% increase in taxes, amounting to an additional $299,620 in revenue.

The council's discussions underscored the ongoing challenges and considerations surrounding property taxes in Keene, as they weigh the financial needs of the city against the burden on taxpayers. The council is expected to continue evaluating these trends as they prepare for future budgets and community services.