Kimble County adopts 2026 budget with pay increases, boosts road-and-bridge spending and sets tax rate at 0.436482

Kimble County Commissioners Court on Aug. 22 adopted the county’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 and set the 2026 tax rate at the "No New Revenue Rate" of 0.436482, according to the clerk’s minutes.

County Judge Hal A. Rose introduced the budget discussion. The proposed budget includes a 3% across-the-board pay increase for county employees and elected officials, an assistant maintenance position plus new equipment, and the creation of a county grant writer/coordinator position. The minutes indicate the budget also accommodates the district attorney's request for a 5% pay increase and "takes into account half the monies due from FEMA," though the minutes do not quantify the FEMA amount.

Commissioners adjusted allocations to prioritize road-and-bridge needs. The minutes record increases to specific line items: Machinery & Equipment was raised to $150,000; Tires to $25,000; Oil & Fuel to $100,000; and Base & Hauling to $100,000. Commissioner Kelly Simon moved to approve the proposed 2026 budget with the requested changes; Commissioner Chad Gipson seconded the motion. The minutes state that all present voted in favor and the motion carried.

The court then voted to set the 2026 tax rate at the "No New Revenue Rate" of 0.436482 (the minutes list the current tax rate as 0.4589). Commissioner Brayden Schulze moved to set the rate, Commissioner Dennis Dunagan seconded, and the minutes record that all present voted in favor.

A motion to adjourn passed at 11:04 a.m.; Commissioner Kelly Simon moved to adjourn, Commissioner Dennis Dunagan seconded, and one commissioner objected (the minutes do not name the objector). The minutes note that originals and attachments for agenda items will be kept on file at the County Clerk’s Office; the record provided does not include attachments or detailed budget worksheets.