MCLENNAN COUNTY, Texas — The McLennan County Commissioners Court has announced a reduction in property taxes for the ninth straight year.
The Court stated it approved a tax rate of .319805, lowering the rate by one cent. The Court said rates have seen a total reduction of 39% since 2016.
The Court said it has made "strategic decisions amidst economic challenges", such as inflation and increasing interest rates, which has made it a priority to maintain fiscal responsibility while making sure the county's essential service needs are met.
The Court listed a few key factors they say influence the budget:
- Focus on Enhancing Technology and Software: "The Commissioners Court has prioritized upgrading technology and software systems, leading to more efficient and cost effective operations."
- Law Enforcement Needs: "The Court has continued to support law enforcement, ensuring they have the necessary resources to maintain public safety."
- Personnel Costs: "Despite the challenging economic environment, the Court has managed to maintain and even enhance personnel benefits, demonstrating a commitment to employee welfare. The Court also implemented a new salary framework that enables the County to review existing salaries and ensure that positions remain competitive with market trends and the local economy."
- New Personnel: "The addition of 12 new positions to assist in general government functions, judicial functions, law enforcement and information technology support, all while keeping costs under control."
- Economic Development: "The Court approved an increase to the annual funding for the Waco-McLennan County Economic Development Corporation which will have a direct positive Return of Investment impact on the local economy."
"Achieving a tax rate reduction for the ninth year in a row is a testament to our commitment to fiscal responsibility and efficient governance," said County Judge Scott M. Felton. "Despite the challenges posed by inflation and rising interest rates, we have continued to prioritize essential services and infrastructure improvements."
“Cutting one cent today was the effort of all the Commissioners Court and County Auditor," said Commissioner Will Jones. "The fact that we are able to cut one cent from the tax rate with only 5% tax appraisal value growth took a lot of work. Our budget sessions are the most open and transparent of any governmental entity.”
The Commissioners Court said it will continue to work with the County Auditor and Budget Officer during the month of August before the budget is adopted on Aug. 27.
A public hearing on the tax rate will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 5:30 p.m. in the Commissioners Courtroom, according to the Court. Another public hearing on the budget will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 27 at 9 a.m. in the Commissioners Courtroom.
The Court said the proposed budget for fiscal year 2025 was filed on Wednesday, July 31 and can be found at the County Clerk's office for public inspection or on the County website on the "budget office" page at this link.
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