Fort Worth – Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare (R) and Governor Greg Abbott (R) met on Aug. 20 to showcase the county’s four‑year property‑tax reduction plan, which O’Hare says has saved families and businesses more than $1.1 billion. The governor used the meeting to promote his statewide property‑tax reform program, urging other jurisdictions to follow Tarrant’s example.
County actions that produced the savings
Since 2022, Tarrant County and the JPS Health Network have adopted three rounds of tax‑rate reductions that fell below the “no‑new‑revenue” benchmark – a calculation that estimates the rate needed to generate the same revenue after required adjustments. In June 2024, commissioners raised the general homestead exemption from 10 % to the maximum 20 % for both entities, further lowering owners’ tax bills.
In addition to the exemption increase, the county cut its operating budget by more than $50 million for fiscal year 2025, following an $8.1 million reduction the prior year. O’Hare’s latest figures place the total four‑year operating‑budget reduction at over $70 million.
What the governor said
Governor Abbott praised the county’s approach, stating, “It is very achievable for jurisdictions across the entire state to do exactly what Tarrant County has done.” He added that the plan demonstrates how property taxes can be lowered while fully funding operations in a growing city like Fort Worth.
Abbott’s broader proposal would give voters the power to roll back tax increases, require two‑thirds voter approval for any future hikes, set local spending limits, and create more predictable appraisals. He plans to advance the five‑point plan during the next legislative session.
Next steps for Tarrant County
While the county has recommended a fiscal‑year 2027 rate of 18.6 cents per $100 of valuation—down from 18.62 cents—commissioners still must formally approve the proposed rates for both the county and the hospital district by the Sept. 30 deadline.
O’Hare emphasized that no services have been cut, crediting “good fiscal management” for the results. He and Commissioners Manny Ramirez (Precinct 4) and Matt Krause (Precinct 3) expressed full support for Abbott’s statewide plan, calling it a “game‑changer for Texans.”
Impact on families and businesses
The combined tax‑rate reductions and budget cuts have translated into lower property‑tax bills for homeowners and lower operating costs for businesses throughout Tarrant County. While the no‑new‑revenue benchmark does not guarantee every individual’s bill will fall—because appraisals, other local exemptions, and city or school‑district rates also affect the final amount—the overall trend points to significant relief for the county’s residents.
Local officials hope the model will inspire other Texas counties and municipalities to adopt similar measures, balancing fiscal responsibility with essential public services.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
