Military History

Dyess Air Force Base has shaped Abilene's economy since 1956

Dyess Air Force Base was dedicated on April 15, 1956, and has been a major employer and economic anchor for Abilene and Taylor County ever since.

Taylor County History & Culture

Abilene first got a military presence with Camp Barkeley in 1940, during World War II. After the war, civic leaders worked to keep federal investment in the area. Ground was broken in September 1953, and the base was completed and dedicated on April 15, 1956 as Abilene Air Force Base; it was renamed Dyess Air Force Base in December 1956 and has operated continuously since. It is a major part of the local economy and a significant employer in Taylor County.

The base was named for Lt. Col. William Edwin Dyess, a native of Albany, Texas, and decorated World War II aviator. Today Dyess is home to B-1B Lancer bombers and C-130J transport aircraft. Military families who move to the area will find housing, schools, and services oriented around the base on the southwest side of Abilene.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas — Dyess Air Force Base

More Taylor County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two offices handle property taxes here

Taylor County has both an appraisal district and a tax assessor-collector, but the county tax office does not collect property taxes — the appraisal district handles collection for most taxing units.

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Homestead Exemption

Homestead exemption cuts your school tax bill

Texas law requires every school district to exempt $140,000 of your home's value from taxation, but you must apply through the Taylor County Appraisal District to get the benefit.

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Agricultural Valuation

Farm and ranch land can be taxed on productivity, not market value

Texas allows agricultural land to be appraised on what it can produce rather than what it could sell for, which usually means a much lower tax bill.

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Tax Bill Breakdown

Multiple taxing units appear on your property tax bill

Your Taylor County property tax bill can include charges from up to 18 different taxing units — the county, a school district, and possibly a city or water district.

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