Erath County judge proposes 0.37 tax rate as budget workshop outlines raises, hires and capital projects

A proposed FY2027 budget presented at Erath County Commissioners Court on Aug. 10 includes a proposed tax rate of 0.37 — described by the judge as "a hair under no new revenue." The court's packet shows the no‑new‑revenue rate at 0.3720 and last year's rate at 0.3811; staff said the proposed rate would allow modest relief to taxpayers while preserving reserves and funding planned capital work.

The judge told the court the proposal includes a 3% across‑the‑board pay increase for county employees, which budget staff estimated would cost "a hair over $1,000,000" countywide. Early health‑insurance modeling from brokers suggested roughly a 15% increase in premiums next year, which staff estimated would add about $500,000 to county costs. The budget presentation also includes three new EMS positions, one environmental/water position, a proposed vehicle for one of the new EMS roles and capital requests such as a jail roof, courthouse exterior painting and shutter repairs and targeted carpet/tile replacement in sheriff's offices.

"You're looking at a tax rate proposed of 0.37, which is a hair under no new revenue," the presiding official said during the workshop. Commissioners debated raise structure (percentage vs. flat amount), vehicle upfit and fleet standardization, and whether to pursue a self‑insured model for employee health coverage in future years. Staff said the court must post notices and meet statutory deadlines prior to adoption and will hold required public hearings if the court adopts a proposed rate above the no‑new‑revenue threshold.

Next steps: staff will compile comparative county data, finalize notices and present refined budget materials at upcoming sessions before any formal adoption.