Rockwall County, TX (September 16, 2024) – Rockwall County Commissioners recently held meetings to discuss and receive input on the 2025 fiscal year budget. The following includes a summary of frequently asked questions from those recent meetings.
What tax rate did the Commissioners Court adopt?
The Rockwall County Commissioners Court adopted the no new revenue rate of $0.2547 on a vote of 3 to 2 for Fiscal Year 2025.
The Tax Rate Vote:
- Judge Frank New – FOR
- Commissioner Cliff Sevier, Pct. 1 – FOR
- Commissioner Dana Macalik, Pct. 2 – AGAINST
- Commissioner Dennis Bailey, Pct. 3 – AGAINST
- Commissioner John Stacy, Pct. 4 – FOR
What is the total amount of the FY 25 budget?
$55,479,016.00
Is this an increase over last year’s budget?
Yes
What are some highlights in the total FY 25 budget?
- A lower tax rate.
- The Sheriff’s Office remodel was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.
- The County Courthouse Annex building was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.
- The County Courthouse 3rd Floor remodel was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.
- County employees will receive a 5% raise.
- County elected officials will receive a 3% raise.
How many new full-time positions were requested and approved?
Eleven full-time positions were requested and four were approved (3 prosecutors & a custodian).
What changes in pay have been recommended for elected officials?
A 3% pay increase.
What was the average taxable value of a homestead in Rockwall County this year and what was it last year?
- 2024 – $444,388.00
- 2023 – $412,287.00
Is there a homestead exemption?
Rockwall County does not offer a percentage-based exemption for ad valorem taxes on residential homesteads. The homestead property tax exemption for people 65 and older is $35,000 (a tax ceiling is applied) and for disabled persons is $0 (but a tax ceiling is applied).
How can I give input on county-related matters?
On the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, the Commissioners Court meets at 9:00 a.m. in the Historic Courthouse, 101 E. Rusk Street, in Rockwall. The meeting offers a public comment period open for those who sign up before the start of the meeting.
Where can I learn more about the Fiscal Year 2025 budget?
Visit the county website at www.rockwallcountytexas.com You can email the Auditor, the Judge, or the Commissioners directly from the website.
Press release submitted by Jim Barto, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News.