County passes $834M budget

Tarrant County commissioners approved an $834.1 million budget for fiscal year 2027, about $10.6 million more than last year. The vote split 3-2 along party lines.

Republicans and Democrats split

County Judge Tim O'Hare and Commissioners Matt Krause and Manny Ramirez voted yes. Democrats Roderick Miles Jr. and Alisa Simmons voted no.

Public safety gets biggest increase

Sheriff confinement funding rose $10.73 million to $130.65 million. Overall public safety spending increased nearly $20 million to $272.67 million.

Tax rate drops for fourth year

The property tax rate fell to $0.1860 per $100 of taxable value, down from $0.1862 last year. It's the fourth consecutive annual rate reduction.

Lower rate, higher bills

The average homeowner will pay $516.40 in county taxes, up 72 cents from last year. Rising home values offset the rate cut.

Residents debate the approach

True Texas Project President Fran Rhodes praised the cuts. Commissioner Simmons raised concerns about portions of the spending plan.

“I appreciate that you've cut the budget, that my taxes are down.”

Abbott promotes the model

Governor Greg Abbott appeared with county leaders in August to promote their approach statewide. He said other Texas jurisdictions should follow Tarrant County's example.

“It is very achievable for jurisdictions across the entire state to do exactly what Tarrant County has done.”