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Hood County court votes to publish proposed tax rate of 0.3165, schedules public hearing for Sept. 9
Summary
Commissioners voted 4–0 to publish a proposed property tax rate of 0.3165 for legal notice and set a public hearing on Sept. 9, 2025, to consider final adoption; the action was taken to meet newspaper and appraisal‑district deadlines.
Hood County commissioners on Aug. 6 voted to publish a proposed property tax rate of 0.3165 and set a public hearing for Sept. 9, 2025, at 9 a.m. so the appraisal district and the county newspaper can meet statutory notice deadlines.
The vote to publish the proposed rate was 4–0; County Judge Massengill was absent and the result was noted in the record. Commissioner Wilson moved to publish the proposed rate; Commissioner Andrews seconded. The court then voted to set the public hearing for the first regular commissioners court meeting in September.
Why it matters: state notice rules require a published proposed rate whenever the proposed figure exceeds the 'no new revenue' calculation or the county uses certain rate actions. Staff told the court that the county’s voter‑approved rate (quoted in the meeting) is 0.341703 and explained that publishing a proposed rate allows the appraisal district to meet newspaper deadlines and gives the public formal notice and an opportunity to comment at the scheduled hearing.
Details: Commissioners and staff discussed two budget scenarios and sought to publish a proposed rate consistent with the higher scenario under consideration. One commissioner said the proposed 0.3165 rate will be refined as the budget work continues and that the published number is primarily to satisfy deadline requirements rather than represent the final adopted rate.
Legal note: bond counsel and county attorneys also advised the court earlier in the meeting on ballot and advertising rules for any upcoming bond election. As counsel told the court, statutory ballot language for tax measures must include a plain‑language description of the purpose and the total principal amount and, per recent guidance highlighted in the meeting, carry the statement “THIS IS A TAX INCREASE.”
Next steps: staff will include the published proposed rate in the county newspaper and provide notice of the Sept. 9 public hearing, at which the commissioners may adopt a final tax rate after required hearings and public comment.
