Commissioners Approve Tax Office Requests and Set Public Hearing for Tax Rate

In the heart of Cameron County, Texas, the Commissioners Court convened on August 26, 2025, to address a series of pressing matters that will shape the county's financial landscape. The meeting, marked by collaborative decision-making, saw commissioners tackle budgetary requests and set the stage for future tax rates.

The session opened with a motion from Commissioner Rees to approve temporary help for the county's internship program, funded by the Road and Bridge department. The motion passed unanimously, setting a positive tone for the discussions ahead.

Next on the agenda was a request from the tax office, which was deemed budget neutral based on current collections. Commissioner Lopez moved to approve the request, which included a contentious proposal for an additional deputy constable. After some deliberation, the motion was amended to exclude the deputy constable's funding, redirecting those resources towards private security services instead. This adjustment was also approved without opposition, reflecting the court's commitment to prudent financial management.

The court then turned its attention to salary adjustments for county court reporters, proposing a 2.5% increase to align their pay with district court reporters. This motion, too, sailed through with unanimous support, showcasing the court's dedication to fair compensation for its employees.

As the meeting progressed, the commissioners prepared to set the published tax rate, which would reflect a quarter-cent reduction from the previous year. This marks the third consecutive year of tax rate reductions in Cameron County, a testament to the administration's fiscal responsibility. The proposed rate of 0.424393 was discussed alongside the no-new-revenue rate and the voter approval rate, emphasizing the county's efforts to maintain transparency and accountability to its taxpayers.

The court announced a public hearing scheduled for September 2, where the budget and tax rate will be formally adopted. A notice will be published in local newspapers to inform residents of the upcoming vote, ensuring community engagement in the decision-making process.

As the meeting drew to a close, Commissioner Lopez commended the administration and staff for their collaborative efforts in navigating the budgetary challenges. With a motion to adjourn, the court wrapped up a productive session, leaving the community with a sense of confidence in its local governance and fiscal stewardship.