Grayson County adopts fiscal 2026 budget, keeps tax rate at 0.3051; multiple routine contracts approved

The Grayson County Commissioners Court on Aug. 26 adopted the county's fiscal 2026 budget and approved a set of tax-rate measures while also signing off on several routine contracts and purchases.

County Judge (name not specified) told the court, "This budget shows a $1,300,000 deficit to the general fund," and said the budget keeps the same tax rate used the past three years, 0.3051 per $100 of valuation. "The tax rate was reduced over 30% over the last 7, year period," the judge added while summarizing comparisons to other Texas counties.

The budget approved by motion of Commissioner Arthur, seconded by Commissioner Wright, includes a 5% cost-of-living adjustment for county employees, an approximate 9% increase in employee and retiree health insurance costs, and several new or upgraded positions countywide including a magistrate judge, an auditor for the tax office, additional jail medical staff and other personnel changes. The judge said the budget assumes the county will add personnel "absolutely necessary for the jail expansion" if the jail project finishes and requires new hires.

Why it matters: The budget sets county spending priorities and affects local services, personnel and contracts for the coming fiscal year. The court's decision to…