In a recent special session held on September 29, 2025, the Van Zandt County commissioners addressed significant changes to the proposed tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting revealed a miscalculation in the initial tax rate notice, which has implications for county funding and services.

The county's financial officer clarified that the no-new-revenue tax rate was incorrectly calculated. The actual voter-approved tax rate, which includes funding for maintenance and operations (M&O) as well as road and bridge projects, was determined to be 0.417681, with the M&O rate at 0.319936. This adjustment means that the anticipated increase in revenue would be approximately $3.1 million, significantly higher than the previously estimated $1.5 million.

Commissioners discussed the implications of adopting a tax rate that is lower than the maximum allowable rate. The proposed rate is about 1.5 cents less than what could have been taxed without voter approval, resulting in a potential revenue loss of over $1.5 million. However, the county has seen an increase of $664,000 in new revenue from new developments, which includes residential and commercial properties.

The discussion highlighted the importance of transparency and accuracy in tax calculations, as the miscalculation could affect budget planning and public services. The commissioners emphasized that while the proposed tax rate reflects a modest increase, it does not maximize the potential revenue that could be generated.

As the county moves forward, the commissioners will need to consider how these financial decisions align with community needs and future budget planning. The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges of balancing tax rates with the necessity of funding essential services for residents.