Denton County reports lowest budget per capita and stable tax rates for 2025

During the Denton County Commissioners Court meeting on August 12, 2025, officials discussed key financial metrics that reflect the county's growth and fiscal responsibility. A significant highlight was the county's continued decrease in the per capita number of employees, which has dropped to the second lowest among Texas's 15 most populous counties. This trend indicates a conservative approach to staffing despite a rising population, which has increased steadily from 2017 to 2026.

The meeting also revealed a 7.9% increase in the adjusted taxable value for Denton County, reaching approximately $172.7 billion for the 2025 tax year. While this marks a positive growth trajectory, it is slightly lower than the previous year's 8.2% increase. New construction values, however, saw a decline, with $6.2 billion reported for 2025—about $2 billion less than the prior year. This reduction in new construction could impact future tax revenues, which are projected to be around $11.6 million based on the recommended tax rate.

The proposed tax rate for fiscal year 2026 is set at 0.185938, a slight reduction from the current rate of 0.187869. This new rate remains below the voter approval tax rate, ensuring that no election will be triggered. Residents in Denton with an average home value of $510,263 would see a total tax bill of approximately $9,839, with 10% allocated to the county.

Denton County continues to maintain the lowest budget per capita among the top 15 counties in Texas, now at $423 per 1,000 residents. This reflects the county's commitment to fiscal conservatism, as it has also reported lower debt obligations compared to the average for similar counties.

As the county prepares for upcoming budget workshops and a vote on the proposed tax rate next Tuesday, these discussions underscore Denton County's focus on balancing growth with responsible financial management, ultimately aiming to benefit its residents.