Finance

Responsibilities

The Finance Department is responsible for keeping accurate financial records for the City of Bridge City and providing financial and related information to management. The Department provides financial support services to all city departments. In addition, the Finance Department is responsible for Utility Billing and Collections, Payroll and Accounts Payable administration.

The Department is responsible for general accounting, cash management, revenue collection, debt management and the investment of City funds. Major responsibilities include accounts payable, payroll, utility billing, accounts receivable, grant reporting, cash and debt service administration, fixed assets listing maintenance, the preparation of financial reports, the development of the City's Annual Operating Budget and the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

An audit of all financial transactions is prepared annually by an external auditor to ensure the proper and ethical accounting of public funds.

Tax Rates

The Bridge City City Council sets and adopts the ad valorem tax rate during the annual budget process, which occurs every year beginning in May and culminating with the adoption of the budget in August. The ad valorem property tax is levied each October 1st on the assessed value listed as of the prior January 1st for all real and business personal property located in the City.

The Orange County Appraisal District identifies property to be taxed, determines its appraised value, grants exemptions, and records taxable owner and address information for citizens of Bridge City. For information on values, filing for exemptions, or reporting changes in ownership or address, call the Appraisal District at 409-745-4777 or visit the Orange County Appraisal District website.

The Orange County Tax Assessor / Collector bills and collects all ad valorem tax accounts for the City as identified and valued by the Orange County Appraisal District. Should you have any questions, please contact the Orange County Tax Office at 409-882-7971.