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Coryell County residents overwhelmingly oppose proposed FY2026 budget and 21% tax-rate increase; commissioners reject proposal, begin line-by-line review
Summary
After a packed public hearing in Gatesville, Coryell County residents criticized a proposed FY2026 budget and a proposed 53¢ property tax rate (an effective 21.17% increase). Commissioners voted not to adopt the budget, authorised a line-by-line amendment process and scheduled further review and re-notice.
A large crowd of residents turned out to the Coryell County Commissioners Court hearing to oppose the county's proposed FY2026 budget and a proposed tax rate of 53¢ per $100 of assessed value — an effective increase the court described as about 21.17%.
Residents delivering five-minute remarks across both in-person and Zoom channels pressed commissioners to reduce spending rather than raise taxes. Comments focused on sharp year-to-year property-appraisal increases, the effect of a higher tax bill on fixed‑income households and first-time homebuyers, and large proposed pay supplements for some judicial offices. Jennifer Warren told the court the increase “is pushing our people to the breaking point” and warned it would damage trust between residents and county leadership. Donna Taylor, referencing her fixed income, said, “You work for us,” and urged commissioners to listen to constituents.
Court…
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