Dallas County opens first of three public hearings on proposed $20.26 millage rate

The Dallas County Board of Commissioners opened the first of three public hearings Thursday on a proposed $20.26 millage rate for property tax year 2026, the Chair said. The hearing was the first of three scheduled sessions; the second will be at 6 p.m. during the board's regularly scheduled August meeting and the third at 5 p.m. on Aug. 20, 2026.

The Chair explained how the millage rate interacts with property valuations: "Our current millage rate is 5.463 mills," the Chair said, and noted that the school system sets its own millage separate from the county. The Chair added that approximately 0.667 of a typical property tax bill is school related for taxpayers who still pay school tax. The Chair also told residents that even if the board leaves the millage rate unchanged, a higher property valuation from the tax assessor can still produce a tax increase for homeowners because assessments are performed independently of the board.

No members of the public signed up to speak during this hearing, the Chair said, and the board closed the session after taking comments. The board may choose to adopt the millage rate at its 6:00 p.m. meeting on Aug. 20, 2026, if it so desires. The hearings provide multiple opportunities for public input before any final action.