Fort Bend County Commissioners Court Adopts 2024-2025 Budget
The Fort Bend County Commissioners Court recently adopted the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025 budget, aiming to focus on responsible fiscal management, and addressing crucial requirements for public safety, infrastructure, and community services.
Reaching a total of $731.6 million, the FY 2025 budget demonstrates an 8.2% growth from the previous year. The budget maintains a focus on public health, safety, and quality of life for the residents of Fort Bend County, while also providing tax relief to counteract increasing property values.
The new tax rate for Fort Bend County is set at 41.2¢ per $100 valuation, marking a decrease of 1.45¢ from last year. The tax rate for the Fort Bend County Drainage District has been reduced to 1¢, lowered by 0.24¢. The combined total tax rate is now 42.2¢, a decrease of 1.69¢ from the previous year, according to Fort Bend County.
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Though average homestead values in Fort Bend County have risen by 8.8%, the Commissioners Court has made efforts to mitigate the tax impact by applying a tax rate reduction of 1.69¢. Consequently, taxes on the average homestead is set to increase by $78, or 4.6%, a notable decrease from what it could have been without the tax reduction.
Both tax rates are below the No New Revenue Rate (NNR), signifying County's efforts to alleviate the tax burden. The last 15 years have witnessed Fort Bend County either maintaining or reducing its tax rate, and over the past decade, the tax rate has decreased by a total of 7.77¢.
Key highlights from the FY 2025 budget include compensation increases for 843 law enforcement personnel, providing for an average pay raise of 22%. The budget also creates 75 new positions across various departments with a total cost of $7.7 million, expands youth programs, and develops new recreational facilities.
The FY 2025 budget also addresses infrastructure needs through various capital improvement projects. These include traffic signal upgrades, school zone safety enhancements, and fairground renovations. These improvements aim to heighten safety and mobility throughout the county, enhancing residents' quality of life.
FY 2025 Budget HighlightsPublic Safety: The budget provides compensation increases for 843 law enforcement personnel, with an average pay raise of 22%. It also includes the addition of two new Associate District Courts and a new Magistrate Court. New Positions: The budget funds 75 new positions across various departments, including 27 in the Administration of Justice and 22 in Health & Welfare, with a total cost of $7.7 million. Youth Programs: Expansion of the Youth Employment Program and Expose Excellence Youth Program, with a combined total of 4 new full-time positions. Parks & Recreation: New recreational facilities throughout the county, including Boys & Girls Clubs in Rosenberg, Arcola, and Fresno, and the development of All Abilities Park in Fulshear. The budget also includes the reopening of the Arboretum Cricket Complex and South Post Oak baseball fields. |
The proposed budget aims to reflect Fort Bend County's continuous commitment to its fiscal policies, maintaining a 30% general fund balance for emergencies. The projected ending balance stands at $131.3 million, or 30.1%, ensuring the County's financial preparedness for unforeseen circumstances.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
