American Farmland Trust: State Issues and Programs - Texas Projects

What does growth really cost?
In the wide-open spaces of Texas, community growth and development are often welcomed as signs of economic vigor. At first glance, urban development is appreciated for the new money it brings to the local economy. But a closer look shows farms, ranches and open lands actually generate three times more dollars for the county than the county spends on them for public services. On the other hand, revenue from residential lands falls about 25 percent short of covering the costs of the public services they receive.

How is the cost of community services calculated?
Cost of Community Services (COCS) studies allocate local budget information to three general types of land use--agricultural/open space, commercial/industrial and residential. The tax revenues generated by each land use category are compared to the dollars spent to provide public services such as roads, schools, fire prevention and law enforcement. The resulting ratios illustrate the net income or losses to the county generated by each category.

How did it add up?
The Hays County results show:

Agricultural lands and open space generate three times more in revenues for the county than they require in public service costs.
Commercial and industrial lands pay more into the county budget than they require in service costs.
Residential lands do not provide enough tax revenues for the county to cover the costs of public services.

Printed brochure
Download The Value of Farm and Ranch Land in Hays County,Texas [PDF, 318K] prepared by American Farmland Trust and University of Texas graduate student Molly Bowden.

For more information
For more information about the Hays County COCS study, contact Bob Wagner at bwagner@farmland.org or 413-586-4593. For information about American Farmland Trust's consulting services, or for advice on conducting a COCS study for your area, contact Jane Kirchner at jkirchner@farmland.org or 202-378-1231.