Kaufman County keeps 2025-26 tax rate unchanged at 0.415113 after public hearing

Kaufman County Commissioner—s Court voted Aug. 26 to adopt the fiscal year 2025-26 budget and set a total county tax rate of 0.415113, unchanged from the previous year, following a public hearing in which several residents urged lower taxes and greater transparency on property values.

The action came after a public hearing on the proposed budget and tax rate. "We are setting just the county tax rate today. We have nothing to do with the value of your properties," Judge Allen said during the hearing. The court recorded a roll-call-style vote on the budget and then approved the tax rate by voice vote; commissioners voted in favor and the motion carried.

Why it matters: The county—s decision determines the amount of property tax revenue the county will collect; because appraisal values have risen in recent years, residents said keeping the same rate still increases many homeowners— bills.

Residents and officials: Dozens of speakers addressed the court during the public hearing portion. Among them, Tommy L. James of Terrell urged commissioners "to consider this, not increasing taxes" as his community faces rising appraisals. Bridal Edwards of Abner Acres said annual increases in appraised values have strained households; Christopher Cox, acting as a city official in Post Oak Bend, asked the county to convene a town hall with school districts and the appraisal office to prevent a "blame game" about which entity controls values. Several speakers asked for clearer plans showing how tax revenue is spent locally, citing road and drainage needs in outlying areas.

County response and context: County officials and commissioners repeatedly told commenters that the county controls the tax rate while the Kaufman Central Appraisal District and the state comptroller—s office set property values. The court described steps it has taken to limit rate increases: "We've kept the tax rate the same the last three years," one commissioner said, defending the vote. County staff and officials explained that budget increases frequently reflect added personnel and services tied to population growth, and that reserve and bond-rating requirements constrain available surplus funds.

Legal and policy notes: Speakers and county staff referred to state-level processes that affect appraisals and exemptions. The court noted an upcoming ballot proposal (referred to in the hearing as "Proposition 4") that would increase the homestead exemption if voters approve it; county staff explained that such a change would affect school taxes more directly than the county portion.

What the court adopted (key numbers): The county adopted the FY2025-26 budget of record, set the debt-service rate at 0.056752, the operations rate at 0.277726 and the roads-and-bridge rate at 0.080635, totaling a 0.415113 tax rate. The court completed a record vote on the budget and then approved the tax rates by motion and voice votes.

Looking ahead: Several residents asked the court to hold a larger joint meeting with the appraisal district and local school districts to explain how values and rates interact. County officials encouraged residents to consult the county website for detailed budget documents and to attend future meetings if they want line-item explanations.

Ending: The court completed the public hearing, adopted its budget and tax rates, and invited residents to request copies of the budget from county offices or to download documents from the county website.