Cameron County Commissioners Set Fiscal Year 2025 Tax Rate and Approve Compensation Increases

The Cameron County Commissioners Court convened on September 2, 2025, to set the tax rate for the fiscal year 2025-2026 and discuss significant employee compensation adjustments. The court unanimously approved a tax rate of 0.424393 per $100 valuation, which aligns with both the no-new-revenue tax rate and the voter-approved tax rate.

During the meeting, Commissioner Gottesem proposed the motion to set the tax rate, which was seconded by Commissioner Lopez. The motion passed with a record vote of 5-0, reflecting the court's commitment to fiscal responsibility while maintaining essential services.

The meeting also featured a detailed presentation on employee compensation, highlighting a third consecutive annual property tax rate reduction alongside a 5% salary increase for all county employees. Notably, peace officers, detention officers, and dispatchers will receive a 10% salary increase. The county's contribution to employee health insurance has also increased from $9,000 to $9,550 per employee per year, with no rise in premiums.

Over the past three years, Cameron County has reduced the property tax rate by a total of 1.25 cents. The court has implemented significant salary increases, with a total compensation investment of over $32 million since fiscal year 2019. This includes a 20% salary increase for all employees and a 25% increase for peace officers.

The presentation emphasized the county's efforts to enhance employee retention and recruitment through competitive compensation packages. The court has also created 11 new positions to support various departments, further demonstrating its commitment to improving county services.

In summary, the Cameron County Commissioners Court's meeting underscored its dual focus on responsible tax management and substantial investments in employee compensation, aiming to foster a supportive work environment while serving the community effectively.