Stable Tax Rate, Growing Community
Recognizing the increase in property valuations, the Commissioners Court has voted to maintain the 2025 tax rate for 2026. The 2026 tax rate will remain $0.384 per $100 of valuation. Understanding that property taxes are the primary funding source for local governments, Washington County welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with the Texas Legislature to explore innovative solutions to mitigate the impact of property taxes. The Commissioners Court remains dedicated to finding sustainable financial restructuring to ensure long-term fiscal health.
Strengthening Public Safety
Public safety remains a top priority, with significant investments in staffing, vehicles, and technology:
- Sheriff’s Office – Additional deputy, jailer, and vehicles to enhance operational capacity.
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) – New ambulances to enhance and sustain fleet reliability.
- Dispatch – Upgraded software to streamline communication and improve coordination.
- Constables' Offices: New vehicle as well as technology and equipment.
- Volunteer Fire Services – A restructured staff position to foster collaboration between the County and volunteer fire departments.
Advancing Infrastructure & Technology
The 2026 budget emphasizes modernization to ensure Washington County’s facilities and systems meet future demands:
- Engineering & Development Services – New paving equipment to expand on the 2025 in-house paving program that delivered significant cost savings.
- Facility Maintenance – Roof replacement at the Sheriff’s Office and elevator repairs at the Courthouse to ensure safe and functional public spaces.
- Information Technology – Investments in technology hardware infrastructure will support improvements in automation, providing quicker response times for law enforcement and Emergency Medical Services systems. These tools improve operations, reduce litigation risks through reliable evidence collection and storage, and strengthen data security.
Key Software Investments will enhance efficiency and service delivery across departments and county:
- Community Engagement – TextMyGov software for self-service resident information request. Full website upgrade (CivicPlus) to enhance the user experience by providing ease of access to information.
- Engineering & Development Services – MyGovernmentOnline software to improve asset management and resident tracking of reported trouble incidents.
- Broadband Infrastructure – Opti Design and Opti Map to identify broadband build-out opportunities.
- Dispatch, EMS & Sheriff’s Office – CIS Computer Aided Dispatch/Records management System (CAD/RMS) software. Imprivata security solutions designed to protect critical County software and hardware systems.
- County & District Clerk – Tyler software to improve records and request response times.
- Justice of the Peace – New judicial software to support court operations.
Supporting County Employees
To recruit and retain valued employees, the 2026 budget includes:
- Competitive Pay – A 3% across-the-board raise for all employees (excluding SB22-funded roles), with an additional 3% merit-based increase contingent on performance evaluations (excluding elected officials).
- Public Safety Pay Schedule – Adjusted to more accurately reflect compensation for shift work.
- Compensation Study – A countywide review to provide data-driven insights for competitive compensation.
A Vision for the Future
Washington County’s 2026 budget reflects a forward-thinking approach that balances immediate community needs with long-term sustainability. By investing in public safety, infrastructure, technology, and workforce support while maintaining the current tax rate, the Commissioners Court demonstrates its commitment to strategic growth, fiscal responsibility, and delivering high-quality services to residents.
📖 Learn more: Washington County Adopted 2026 Budget
📞 Contact: Washington County Commissioners Court
