Grayson County has announced its budget for 2027, which is set to increase property tax revenue by more than $3.5 million, representing a 5.26% rise compared to the previous year. This increase is primarily attributed to $2.7 million from new properties added to the tax roll this year.
County officials, including Judge Bruce Dawsey, emphasized that the current property tax rate of 0.3051 will remain unchanged, despite being below the state’s no new revenue rate. Judge Dawsey noted that the county’s property tax is the smallest portion of the overall tax bill homeowners receive.
Residents, such as Luella homeowner Brian Wilson, expressed concerns regarding the implications of the budget on their tax bills. Wilson remarked on the necessity for budgets to grow in rural areas, suggesting that while tax rates might increase, the services provided could improve as a result.
Judge Dawsey highlighted the county's reliance on volunteer services in unincorporated areas, which adds to the budgetary pressures. He mentioned a failed attempt to pass a sales tax last year that would have specifically affected unincorporated areas, forcing the county to revert to the general fund for funding essential services like fire and emergency medical services.
