TYLER, Texas — Smith County Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved the county's tax rate and budget for the 2025 fiscal year.
The budget and tax rate will go into effect on Oct. 1. This year's theme is "Breaking Ground."
The tax rate is rising by 1.6967 cents, to a total of 36.4231 cents per $100 valuation. Smith County Judge Neal Franklin said the tax rate increased because of the new courthouse and parking garage bond that voters approved in November 2022.
“Of course, this is due to all the construction taking place, but it also represents some new business relationships we have forged,” Judge Franklin said. “My promise when I ran for county judge was to make this county a better place for the citizens and the employees of Smith County. For the citizens, my goal is always to keep the taxes at a reasonable level while providing the high level of services the citizens expect and demand. For the employees, my goal is to provide them with a living wage and benefits in addition to a work environment in which they feel appreciated and respected.”
Some of the noted areas of the budget include pay raises for indigent defense contract attorneys, cost-of-living adjustments for all employees and elected officials and adding officers to jail operations.
The rate for indigent defense contract attorneys will be rising from $95,000 to $120,000 for lawyers who represent people who cannot afford their own lawyer. Smith County officials said they hope the increase will help retain attorneys and attract more to the Smith County court system.
As part of the budget, 10 detention officers will be added to the Smith County Jail operations to help reduce overtime, which increased significantly in fiscal year 2024.
Smith County employees and elected officials will receive a 2.5% cost of living adjustment in their pay. The county is also increasing its monthly contribution to the health insurance fund.
According to officials, Smith County's overall financial position is still strong despite inflation with a bond rating of AA+ from the Standard & Poor’s rating service.