Grayson County discusses advertising 4¢ levy increase, water-rate changes and school grant application during budget work session

Grayson County officials in a budget work session debated advertising a 4-cent property tax increase, proposed changes to water rates and whether to pursue a state Department of Education grant for classroom space at Independence Elementary.

County finance staff told the board the county faces an operating shortfall — about $145,000 in the operating fund — and recommended advertising a 4¢ levy increase for fiscal year 2026, which staff estimated would raise roughly $760,000. The same presentation proposed targeted water-rate changes to reduce the county’s subsidy of water operations and to fund capital needs.

The work session also included a presentation about a Department of Education grant application to add classroom space at Independence Elementary. The presenter said the project scope was reduced from 7,200 square feet to 5,482 square feet and that contractors quoted roughly $380 per square foot; the presenter…