Commissioners set county property tax rate at 0.358961, court ratifies increase

Commissioner Gillespie moved that the property tax rate for tax year 2026 be set at 0.358961, which the motion described as "effectively a 2.53% increase in the tax rate." The motion broke the rate into components: general fund M&O 0.244810, road and bridge M&O 0.068834, and I&S 0.045317. The motion was seconded and the court voted in favor.

After the motion carried, the court approved an order ratifying the property tax increase reflected in the adopted FY2027 budget. Commissioners discussed the difference between the rate and actual taxpayer bills, noting that shifts in appraised values and reporting (median vs. average homestead) and set-asides for litigation and other obligations affect final tax bills. The court recorded the motions and carried both measures by voice vote.

"I move that the property tax rate be increased by the adoption of tax rate of 0.358961," Commissioner Gillespie said when making the motion. The ratification order was then approved without additional recorded opposition.