Tarrant County Judge Tim O'Hare and a majority of the county commissioners voted Monday to lower the county property tax rate for tax year 2025 to $0.1862 per $100 of assessed value, a reduction the court described as a 0.69% decrease that the court said will raise more revenue than last year.

The resolution passed on a 3-1 vote. Commissioner Roderick Miles Jr. (Precinct 1) said he would vote no, citing concern the tax cut would threaten county staff, services and the future of the John Peter Smith Health Network (JPS). "Our staff are not pawns to be moved for partisan gain," Miles told the court, saying lowering the rate without regard for services would be irresponsible.

Why it matters: The vote comes after several public speakers pressed the court on whether the tax cut would force staff reductions or service cuts. Supporters of the lower rate, including Commissioner Matt Krause, argued the reduction provides tax relief to residents and that the county has room in projected revenues to lower the rate without eliminating services. Opponents said the change would leave critical programs underfunded.

Details: Judge Tim O'Hare moved adoption of the 0.1862 rate; the motion received a second and passed 3 to 1. The court and public speakers referenced multiple budget figures during discussion but did not cite a statutory requirement in the hearing record. Commissioner Miles explicitly said he would vote against the rate because of potential impacts on staff and JPS. Public commenters were split: some urged tax relief for homeowners, others warned of cuts to human services, public health and election access.

What the court said about services: Supporters of the cut said they had reviewed budget projections and expected revenues could cover operations. Opponents said services including emergency rental assistance, public health personnel and precinct administrative staff could be reduced if budgets were tightened.

Next steps: The county adopted the rate and will proceed with the fiscal-year budget process under the adopted tax rate. The court scheduled further budget discussion items later in the meeting, including a separate vote on restoring precinct budgets.