COLLIN COUNTY, Texas — Collin County commissioners are set to vote Sept. 14 on a proposed property tax increase that would mark the county’s first rate hike in 33 years as officials weigh growing demands for public services against concerns about spending and taxpayers’ costs.
The proposed tax rate stands at about 15.1 cents per $100 of property value, up from the current rate of about 14.9 cents. The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.
Although the county has kept its tax rate largely unchanged in recent years, rising home values have increased property tax bills for many homeowners.
Commissioner Darrell Hale called the proposed increase a “necessary evil” during Monday’s commissioners court meeting, saying the county needs revenue to maintain courts, public safety and other services.
Collin County already operates with what Hale described as a tight budget. A recent Texas Public Policy Foundation study found that county spending from 2015 to 2025 lagged population and inflation growth.
Collin County ranks among the fastest-growing counties in the nation, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Commissioner Susan Fletcher said the county needs additional resources to keep pace with population growth and maintain services.
County Judge Chris Hill challenged the foundation’s findings, saying the study relied on selective data. Hill said county spending from 2013 to 2025 grew faster than the combined rates of inflation and population growth.
Hill has opposed the proposed budget and tax rate in recent years because of their effect on taxpayers. He proposed requiring each county department to cut its budget by 2.76% as an alternative to raising taxes.
He also recommended lowering the county’s employee salary target from the 75th percentile to the 50th percentile. Fletcher and Hale opposed the proposal, citing concerns about recruiting and retaining employees.
Hill also warned that a tax increase could make it harder for the county to pass a bond proposal next year.
“I think we would do ourselves a favor by not increasing taxes the same year we’re asking citizens to increase their own taxes,” Hill said.
Commissioners Duncan Webb and Cheryl Williams, both of whom are retiring at the end of their terms, did not attend Monday’s meeting.
Hill said he hopes incoming commissioners will take a more conservative approach to county spending.
All current Collin County commissioners, including Hill, are Republicans.