Brazos County adopts FY2026 budget and keeps tax rate flat; budget projects higher property revenue due to new growth

Brazos County Commissioners adopted the fiscal year 2026 budget on Tuesday and voted to keep the county d valorem tax rate flat with the prior year, a decision county staff said will nonetheless raise more property tax revenue because of added appraisal growth.

The court approved the FY2026 budget (agenda item 4) after considering several amendments. The court voted on amendments individually and approved four budget amendments that added or reallocated funds, including funding for a county compensation and benefits study. The court then adopted the budget as amended by a roll-call vote with all members voting aye.

On the tax rate, the court considered a resolution levying a tax rate for tax year 2025 and concluded to keep the rate ‘‘flat’’ rather than set the previously proposed ceiling. The resolution that commissioners discussed used a proposed total tax rate figure of 0.4197 per $100 of valuation; during discussion staff clarified that the court—ould adopt that proposed rate as a ceiling but was not required to set the rate that high. After discussion, the court adopted a flat rate equal to last year’s effective rate.

County budget staff read a statutory notice required for ratifying a property tax increase that explained the budget will raise more revenue from property taxes than last year by $13,143,425 (an 11.14% increase) and that $3,657,069 of the increase is attributable to new property added to the tax roll. Staff and commissioners emphasized that the increased revenue results from property growth and appraisal changes, not an adopted increase in the tax rate.

Commissioner discussion focused on balancing capital needs and avoiding undue burden on taxpayers. Commissioner Brown urged care in awarding county funds to outside nonprofits and suggested those funds could reduce tax pressure; Commissioner Watson defended nonprofits, saying they produce services for residents in need and also fundraise. Several public commenters urged the court to reduce the property tax rate or to pursue alternative funding models.

Votes: The budget and the tax rate actions were approved by roll call (Commissioner Nettles — aye; Commissioner Kondrala — aye; Commissioner Brown — aye; Commissioner Watson — aye; judge — aye).

Ending: County staff will proceed with budget implementation and prepare follow‑up materials on debt options and any reimbursement bond opportunities the court chooses to pursue.