City of Galveston
The City abatement policy requires a minimum of $500,000 capital investment and the retention or creation of 5 jobs for four years of abatement after construction, an investment of $1 million and 10 jobs for five years of abatement, $1.5 million and 10 jobs for 6 years, and $2.5 million and 20 jobs for 7 years of abatement. The City policy, as well as the others that follow, also provides for 100% abatement during construction for a maximum of two years. The City tax rate is $0.5494 per $100 assessed value in 1998.

Galveston County
The County abatement policy requires a minimum of $3,000,000 total expenditure for construction and that the project be expected to create employment for at least 15 additional people on a permanent basis in Galveston County or provide at least 15 retained jobs. The abatement is for three years. If the Commissioners Court determines that the project would enhance neighboring tourist-related businesses, an expenditure of $2 million will qualify.

Galveston County
The County abatement policy also requires employment of Galveston County residents. For 100% abatement, at least 80% of the employees must be local. Percentage of abatement decreases with a reduction in percentage of local employees. The County tax rate was $0.52 per $100 assessed value in 1998.

Galveston College
The Community College abatement policy is the same as GISD’s policy. The Community College tax rate is $0.1878 per $100 assessed value in 1998.

Galveston County Navigation
District Number 1
The Navigation District has no written policy but has followed the City policy on a case-by-case basis in the past and will consider each application individually. The Navigation District tax rate is $0.03961 per $100 assessed value in 1998.