At the Monday commissioners’ court meeting, Collin County officials voted 4‑1 to raise the property‑tax rate for the first time in three decades. The new rate of $0.151 per $100 of a home’s value represents a 2.4 percent increase over the current $0.149 rate and is expected to generate about $16.3 million in additional revenue for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1.
Impact on homeowners
According to county budget documents, the median home value in Collin County this year is $517,911. A homeowner with a homestead exemption can expect to pay $744.98 in property taxes under the new rate, up from $682.10 last year when the median home value was $480,773.
Judge Hill’s opposition
County Judge Chris Hill voted against the budget and tax increase, arguing that the higher levy would burden taxpayers. Hill has repeatedly opposed the county’s budget and tax proposals in recent years. He suggested cutting department budgets by 2.67 percent and forgoing raises for county employees, but his motion did not advance.
“You’ve got a transfer of wealth basically from the non‑county employees to the county employees because everyone in the county has to pay our taxes but the county employees are getting raises faster than everyone else,” Hill said.
Commissioners defend the increase
Commissioner Susan Fletcher defended the raise, noting that employee salary increases are needed to recruit and retain talent in a competitive market. She emphasized that county departments already operate with lean budgets and have been asked each year to limit spending.
“We have asked our departments every year, don’t go ask for more than you need. Find where you can cut,” Fletcher said.
Commissioner Darrell Hale echoed the sentiment, pointing to the county’s rapid population growth and limited budget flexibility. “I can’t support a 2.67 percent cut given how tight we already run,” Hale said.
Context of growth and spending
The Texas Public Policy Foundation’s recent study found that Collin County’s spending has lagged behind its population and inflation growth from 2015‑2025. The county remains one of the nation’s fastest‑growing jurisdictions, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, which puts pressure on public services and infrastructure.
What the increase means for the community
The additional $16.3 million will be allocated across county services, including public safety, health, and infrastructure projects that support the growing population. While some residents express concern over higher tax bills, county officials argue the revenue is essential to maintain service levels and address the needs of a rapidly expanding community.
County Judge Hill warned that taxpayers who have not received regular raises are effectively covering the cost of county employee salary increases. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between fiscal restraint and the need to fund essential services in a booming region.
Looking ahead
Collin County’s budget cycle will continue to be closely watched as the area’s population expands. Future discussions are likely to focus on balancing tax burdens with the demand for quality public services, infrastructure improvements, and employee compensation.
Original reporting: Plano Magazine — read the source article.
