Jim Wells County Commissioners Court adopted the countys 2026 budget and set the 2025 property tax rate during a special meeting on Sept. 26, 2025.

County Judge Pete Trevino presented the budget, saying it was prepared after multiple workshops and amendments and was built on a proposed tax rate of 0.767802. "With that revenue and transfer, that's $23,352,324. And our expenses is $24,265,633.27," Trevino said, adding that at that rate the county faced "a negative budget by $913,309.27." The court then voted to adopt the budget by recorded vote.

The court also set the 2025 tax rate at 0.767802 per $100 of valuation in a separate recorded vote, with commissioners reading and adopting the formal order allocating the rate across funds for maintenance and operation, debt service and special road funds. The judge read the order into the record and the vote was unanimous.

Officials said the budget package reflects a 5% increase adopted during workshops to address salary and statutory supplements and incorporated departmental requests including jail‑related costs. County staff told commissioners they had been conservative on sales tax estimates and that some departments were operating near baseline budgets.

The judge and commissioners emphasized fiscal caution while noting steps to reach a balanced budget: continuing to monitor departmental spending, pursuing grant opportunities and seeking economic development that could expand the tax base. "We're very passionate in what we do," Trevino said, urging continued collaboration among county leaders.

Next steps include finalizing budget documents for signature and continuing to monitor revenue performance during the fiscal year. The court indicated it will follow up on implementation and any midyear adjustments if needed.