McLennan County court votes to propose 0.394805 tax rate, schedules public hearings

The McLennan County Commissioners Court voted to propose a tax rate of 0.394805 for the 2026 tax year after debate about budget priorities and revenue needs. A commissioner moved the measure and a second was recorded; the motion passed in a roll-call vote before the court.

Judge (presiding) read the motion and framed the proposal as two parts: 0.30099 for interest and sinking and 0.093706 for maintenance and operations. “I propose a tax rate of 0.394805 for the 2026 tax year,” the motion read. The court then called a roll; the motion received majority support and was recorded as passed.

Commissioners and staff said the proposed rate is part of a planning exercise and that the court will continue working the budget to try to lower the final rate before adoption. The court scheduled a public hearing on the proposed tax rate for Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the McLennan County Commissioner's Courtroom and set final adoption for Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, at 9 a.m. “There'd be a public hearing for the 2026 tax rate. It's scheduled for Tuesday, 08/18/2026 at 6PM in McLennan County Commissioner's Courtroom,” the presiding officer said.

Officials said staff will present alternate revenue/expense scenarios in coming meetings and that the preliminary rate can be reduced (but not increased) before final adoption. The court emphasized outreach and transparency ahead of the hearings so taxpayers can review the proposed budget and offer comment.