Property appraisals will stay the same as they were assessed in January 2020 even as Gov. Gregg Abbott encourages local governments not to raise property tax rates.

The average taxable value, minus any exemptions, increased 8.76 percent, according to figures released by the Hays Central Appraisal District.

Each year, the Hays County Appraisal District sends out notices to property owners, as is customary across the state. Property owners have 30 days to contest the appraisals, and this year, the d...