Titus County commissioners adopt 2025–26 budget, set tax rate and approve fee and personnel items

The Titus County Commissioner's Court adopted the proposed 2025–26 budget and approved related fiscal measures during a special meeting that began at 9 a.m. The court also set the county tax rate and approved several routine administrative items, including a memorandum of understanding lease renewal, a temporary mechanic position, and an increase to septic-system permit fees.

Budget and tax items: Commissioner Mitchell made the motion to adopt the proposed 2025–26 budget; Commissioner Applewhite seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. The court confirmed the 2025 tax rate at 0.3861 per $100 of assessed value and approved the maintenance and operations tax rate at 0.3442 (motion by Commissioner Parker; second by Commissioner Applewhite) and a debt-service rate of 0.04 (second recorded by Commissioner Parchment). The county noted the adopted rate is below the voter-approval rate and compared the rate with surrounding counties in remarks recorded in the meeting.

Septic permit fees: The court discussed the county’s septic-permit fee structure and voted to raise fees to cover program costs. Commissioner Mitchell moved to…