Civic

• Resolution to assign airport lease to Steve Deck approved by Airport Board.
• Adoption of a Federal Grant Procurement Policy to comply with federal requirements.
• Support for Gainesville Trails affordable housing for low-income adults aged 55+.
• Expansion of Frank Buck Zoo's habitats funded by local partners.
• Nomination for Cooke County Appraisal District Board vacancy and rail safety grant application.

• The Cooke County 2026 fiscal year budget was adopted with a 4-1 vote (Commissioners Gary Hollowell, Jason Snuggs, Adam Arendt, and Matt Sicking voted FOR; Commissioner John Roane voted AGAINST).
• The adopted property tax rate for 2026 is $0.3355 per $100 valuation, an increase from $0.3155 in 2025.
• The budget is projected to raise $2,479,906 more in property tax revenue than last year's budget, which is a 0.10% increase.
• An estimated $473,438 in property tax revenue will be raised from new property added to the tax roll.
• The total net outstanding bond debt for Cooke County will be $0 on January 1, 2026.
• The total estimated revenue and expenses for the 2026 fiscal year are $49,357,559.00.

Residents will see an increase in their property taxes due to the higher tax rate and increased property tax revenue. The budget allocates funds to various county services, including the General Fund ($0.1954), Road & Bridge Fund ($0.1250), and Permanent Improvement ($0.0150). There will be no county debt service payments from property taxes, as the debt rate is $0.0000.

• Discussion and potential adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Budget, with total projected expenditures of $52,822,909 and revenues of $41,768,879, resulting in an $11,054,030 deficit.
• Review of major appropriations, including $5,138,443 for Emergency Medical Services, $1,169,967 for Courthouse operations, and $1,073,548 for Information Technology.
• Consideration of the General Fund's projected $3,272,920 deficit, which implies the use of existing fund balance to cover operational costs.

The proposed budget's significant deficit suggests a reliance on county reserves, which could prompt future discussions on tax rates, fees, or service adjustments to maintain financial stability. Continued funding for critical services such as EMS, courthouse functions, and IT infrastructure is outlined, but residents should understand the long-term implications of the projected deficit. Residents have a direct opportunity to voice their opinions and provide feedback on the county's financial plans during the scheduled budget discussion.

• Proposed total county revenue for FY 2025 is $39,172,307.00.
• Proposed total county expenses for FY 2025 are $52,988,108.00.
• The proposed budget projects an overall deficit of $13,815,801.00 for FY 2025.
• The General Fund is projected to have revenues of $25,384,614.00 and expenses of $30,966,450.00, resulting in a $5,581,836.00 deficit.
• Major proposed revenue sources for the General Fund include Current Ad Valorem Taxes ($13,816,286.00), Sales Taxes ($4,500,000.00), and Ambulance Fees ($2,075,000.00).
• Significant proposed expenditures include Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at $4,637,020.00, Miscellaneous General Expenses (including insurance, legal, capital outlay, and contingency) at $4,198,831.00, Courthouse operations at $1,091,899.00, and Information Technology at $1,010,536.00.
• A capital outlay of $500,000.00 is proposed for a Weigh Station.

The proposed budget's significant deficit may lead to future discussions about potential tax rate adjustments, fee changes, or service reductions to balance the county's finances. Residents will be affected by the allocation of funds to various departments, such as EMS, which is a major expenditure, and the continued funding for courthouse operations and information technology. The proposed budget indicates the county's financial priorities and challenges for the upcoming fiscal year, which could influence local services and infrastructure projects.

• The 2025 Cooke County Budget was adopted with a vote of 4-1 by the Commissioner's Court (For: Gary Hollowell, Jason Snuggs, Adam Arendt, Matt Sicking; Against: John Roane).
• The property tax rate for 2025 is set at $0.3155 per $100 valuation, a decrease from the 2024 rate of $0.3243.
• The budget is projected to raise $2,140,217 more in property taxes than last year, representing a 0.10% increase in total property tax revenue.
• Property tax revenue from new property added to the tax roll for 2025 is $752,697.
• The total net outstanding bond debt for Cooke County will be $0 by January 1, 2025.
• The General Fund has estimated revenues of $25,404,978 and expenses of $31,026,414, with the deficit covered by transfers from the fund balance.
• Significant transfers from fund balances are planned across various funds, including General Fund ($5,621,436), Road & Bridge Funds ($675,495 for R&B 1, $617,733 for R&B 3, $351,460 for R&B 4), and Permanent Improvement Fund ($3,499,356).

Residents will see a lower county property tax rate, but the overall amount of property taxes collected by the county will increase due to growth in property values and new construction. The county's achievement of zero outstanding bond debt by January 1, 2025, means no future debt service payments for residents related to these bonds. The budget allocates funds for various county services, including significant spending in the General Fund, Road & Bridge maintenance, and Emergency Medical Services, indicating continued provision of these services.