El Paso County commissioners are floating a property-tax rate that would be nearly 10% above last year’s adopted rate, but the number is not a final bill. For now, it is a ceiling that keeps the county’s budget process moving while officials decide how much revenue they actually need.
Commissioners voted Monday to propose a rate of $0.504717 per $100 of taxable property value, according to KFOX14/CBS4. That is higher than the $0.458889 rate adopted last year and the county’s $0.451133 no-new-revenue rate calculated for 2026. Commissioners have not adopted a final rate and could still choose a lower figure.
Here’s the Texas property-tax translation: The no-new-revenue rate is designed to generate about the same amount of tax revenue from properties taxed in both years, while the voter-approval rate is generally the highest rate a county can adopt without asking voters to approve it. The Texas Comptroller says a taxing unit that adopts a rate above its voter-approval rate generally must hold an election.
Budget Would Put More Into Safety And Payroll
The county’s recommended fiscal year 2027 budget totals nearly $696.8 million across all funds, with $542.4 million earmarked for the General Fund. That fund would grow by about $46.9 million, or 9.46%, from the current fiscal year, while recommended public-safety spending would rise from roughly $165.5 million to $180.9 million. The plan also includes proposed pay increases for county employees and certain Sheriff’s Office employees and constables, as detailed by KFOX14/CBS4.
County budget officials say the recommended spending plan was built around the lower no-new-revenue rate rather than the full voter-approval rate. Proposing the higher number gives commissioners room to make changes as they review the budget, while officials describe the plan as conservative and light on discretionary spending.
Hearings Will Decide Whether The Rate Comes Down
The next major step is public review. The county’s public calendar lists Commissioners Court meetings at the El Paso County Courthouse, 500 E San Antonio, including next Monday and the following Monday. The budget hearing is scheduled for next Monday, with the following day held in reserve if more time is needed, while the separate property-tax hearing is set for the following Monday at 5:30 p.m.
Residents will be able to comment on the proposed spending plan and tax rate before commissioners act. The county could approve the $0.504717 voter-approval rate, adopt a lower rate, or continue adjusting the budget before the final vote.
