Grayson County projects $583,880 shortfall as board weighs cuts, levy and priorities

Grayson County staff told the Board of Supervisors on April 2 that the county's proposed general fund budget projects $30.4 million in revenue against $31.0 million in expenditures, leaving a projected shortfall of $583,880.

"Our principal revenue is property tax. We just are struggling with the ability to capture any revenue," said Steve, a county staff member presenting the budget, as he outlined priorities including emergency medical services, broadband expansion and efforts to diversify revenue beyond property tax. He also described a western-county broadband rollout expected to be complete by fiscal year 2027.

The presentation flagged several mandated and near-mandated increases that drive pressure on the budget: staff cited a required local 911 effort this year of about $669,000 and discussed the statutory six-year reassessment cycle that will influence assessed values and levy decisions. Staff also noted one-time and grant-funded items that have altered the amended budget since last year.

Board members and staff described approaches being used to close the gap: careful line-item reductions, targeted cuts to discretionary spending and a levy increase implemented last year that board members said improved cash-flow. Staff also proposed repurposing savings in jail-cost lines to cover a supplemental allocation for the Children's Services Act (CSA) without increasing the overall budget.

The board discussed capital and operating priorities that could be deferred or adjusted, including public-safety fleet timing and future reassessment-related revenue policy choices. Members asked for follow-up: clearer counts of service increases (911 and EMS call volume), quantified savings from identified cuts, and options for borrowing or refinancing certain long-term liabilities.

A next budget work session on April 16 will address the PSA fund and special projects, including capital improvements planned for the fiscal year.