| BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT |
BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | (dollars in thousands) | December 31, 2025 | | December 31, 2024 | | | | Land, buildings, and improvements | $ | 105,283 | | | $ | 98,426 | | | Furniture, fixtures, and equipment | 20,465 | | | 26,270 | | | Total bank premises and equipment | 125,748 | | | 124,696 | | | Less accumulated depreciation | 52,106 | | | 57,938 | | | Total bank premises and equipment, net | $ | 73,642 | | | $ | 66,758 | |
Depreciation expense by category is as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Year Ended December 31, | | (dollars in thousands) | 2025 | | 2024 | | 2023 | | | | | | | | Buildings and improvements | $ | 2,197 | | | $ | 1,990 | | | $ | 1,879 | | | Furniture, fixtures, and equipment | 1,003 | | | 954 | | | 1,229 | | | Total depreciation expense | $ | 3,200 | | | $ | 2,944 | | | $ | 3,108 | |
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