Callahan County Commissioners Court on June 23 reviewed and accepted the proposed 2026 budget for the Callahan County Appraisal District.

County staff called attention to a chart in the district’s packet showing the county’s market valuation rising from about $2.034 billion in 2020 to about $4.117 billion in the most recent tax year, noting that the expanding tax base has supported property tax relief for residents. Staff said the appraisal district is proposing a budget about $40,000 lower than the current year and that the district’s staffing would reduce from six employees to five, which staff described as likely through attrition but provided no personnel names.

Staff also noted the district faces increased costs for one of its appraisal contracts even as it proposes an overall budget decrease. Commissioner Windham moved to approve the appraisal district’s proposed budget; Commissioner McGowan seconded the motion and the court voted aye with no opposition.

The court’s action was described as a vote of support for the appraisal district’s proposed budget; staff did not provide line-item details beyond the packet pages referenced during the meeting.