Collin County commissioners have approved the county's first property-tax rate increase in 33 years as part of a new $834 million fiscal 2027 budget.
The Dallas Express reported that the Commissioners Court voted 4-1 Monday to adopt the budget and a tax rate of approximately $0.151 per $100 of assessed value. The prior rate was about $0.149. The new rate takes effect October 1, when the county's next fiscal year begins.
County budget documents cited by the publication estimate that the higher rate will generate roughly $16.3 million in additional property-tax revenue. Rising appraised values will compound the effect for some homeowners. The median home value used in the fiscal 2027 budget increased from $480,773 to $517,911.
For a median-value home receiving a homestead exemption, the county's estimate shows the annual county property-tax bill increasing from $682.10 to $744.98. That is a $62.88 increase. The county levy is only one part of a homeowner's total bill, which can also include taxes imposed by cities, school districts, colleges, and special districts.
County Judge Chris Hill cast the only opposing vote. According to the report, Hill proposed a 2.67 percent reduction in departmental budgets and eliminating planned employee raises as alternatives to the increase. Those proposals did not pass.
Commissioners Susan Fletcher and Darrell Hale defended the raises as necessary to recruit and retain employees. Hale has also argued that rapid population growth limits the county's ability to reduce spending. A Texas Public Policy Foundation analysis discussed during the budget process found that Collin County government spending grew more slowly than population and inflation combined from 2015 through 2025.
The 33-year comparison applies to the adopted tax rate, not necessarily to individual tax bills. Homeowners may pay more even when a rate remains unchanged if taxable values rise. This year's decision increases the rate while the county's median home value is also higher.
The vote is significant for public accountability because it connects an $834 million spending plan to a measurable household tax impact. Residents can compare the added revenue and service demands against the alternatives proposed during budget deliberations and the commissioners' recorded 4-1 decision.