The Van Zandt County Commissioners held a special session on October 3, 2025, primarily focused on discussing the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting began with a brief overview of the budget, which has been available for public review since September 23.

A commissioner expressed pride in the collaborative efforts of county departments to achieve a nearly balanced budget, noting a projected deficit of $179,000. This figure reflects a significant improvement from previous years, where the county faced larger shortfalls. The commissioner acknowledged the contributions of the auditor's office in preparing the budget and emphasized the importance of the cuts made this year for future opportunities.

During the discussion, a question arose regarding the legality of the budget process. The commissioner assured attendees that all procedures had been followed according to legal requirements. Another commissioner, new to the budget process, shared their initial concerns about potentially needing to raise taxes to address a projected shortfall of approximately $3.5 million. However, it was clarified that through a combination of increased revenue from new property taxes and expense reductions, the county was able to present a balanced budget without raising taxes.

The budget outlined total estimated revenues of $20,006,950 against total expenses of $20,008,874, resulting in the aforementioned deficit. Notably, the budget also included dedicated funds from the American Rescue Plan and provisions for a contingency fund of $4 million, which is intended for emergencies and unplanned expenses.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the county's commitment to fiscal responsibility and the importance of maintaining a balanced budget moving forward. The commissioners expressed optimism about the county's financial health and the strategic planning that has been implemented to ensure stability in the coming years.