SMITH COUNTY, Texas (KETK)-- Smith County Commissioners voted 4-1 on Tuesday to propose a new tax rate for 2027.

Precinct 1 Commissioner Christina Drewry was the only vote against the tax rate, saying she felt more research into the county departments was needed.   

Tuesday, Commissioners approved proposing the voter-approved tax rate of 39.2 cents —meaning it is the highest rate they can set without going into an election. The court set the proposed tax rate on Tuesday but can change it at any time before it is adopted. 

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According to the Smith County Auditor, Timothy Hollis, the proposed tax rate should cost homeowners about $80 to $135 more per year in property taxes. The proposed tax rate would increase the estimated tax on the median homestead's taxable value by approximately $135. That is for the median home value of $238,399. 

Commissioners stated the rate increase is needed to meet the requests of law enforcement and salary increases,

"We have a lot of needs, and we've stayed pretty flat throughout the years," Judge Neal Franklin said. "We've had requests for law enforcement, salary increases, but then some other departments are asking for salary increases as well."

Commissioners asked for a final audit of department spending and salaries to be completed and presented at a budget meeting on Monday.

We're working hard to find any areas that we can trim to make sure we're as efficient as possible with taxpayer money," Hollis said.

There are public hearings on the FY 27 Proposed Tax Rate and Budget at 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, and a public hearing on the Proposed Tax Rate is also set for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept.1.

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