Gainesville Government

The Gainesville City Council is set to meet on January 6, 2026, to discuss several resolutions, including the assignment of an airport lease to Steve Deck, the adoption of a Federal Grant Procurement Policy, and support for an affordable housing development for older adults. Other key items include expanding the Frank Buck Zoo's animal habitats, creating a Charter Review Commission, and nominating a candidate for the Cooke County Appraisal District Board. Additionally, the Council will consider a grant application for rail safety improvements.

• 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+.

The Cooke County Commissioners Court has adopted the 2026 fiscal year budget, setting the property tax rate at $0.3355 per $100 valuation. This budget is projected to raise $2,479,906 more in property tax revenue than the previous year, an increase of 0.10%.

• 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.

The proposed Cooke County budget for Fiscal Year 2026 outlines $52.8 million in expenditures against $41.7 million in revenues, projecting an $11 million deficit that will likely be covered by existing fund balances. Residents are encouraged to review the detailed allocations for services like EMS, courthouse operations, and IT, and to participate in the upcoming budget discussion on August 15, 2025.

• 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.

Cooke County has released its proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025, outlining projected revenues of $39,172,307.00 and expenses of $52,988,108.00, resulting in a projected deficit of $13,815,801.00. This document serves as an agenda item for discussion and consideration of the county's financial plan for the upcoming year.

• 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.

Cooke County has adopted its 2025 fiscal year budget, which will raise more property tax revenue than last year despite a decrease in the property tax rate. A notable financial achievement is the projected zero outstanding bond debt by January 1, 2025.

• 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.