Tarrant County Set to Slash Property Taxes, Saving Homeowners!
Tarrant County commissioners have taken a bold step toward lowering property taxes for the third year in a row, offering relief to its 2.1 million residents. On Wednesday, they gave initial approval to a tax rate of 18.63 cents per $100 of valuation, with a final vote scheduled for September 16, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Commissioners Courtroom. If approved, homeowners with an average-valued home of $358,000 will pay $533 in county taxes, a savings of $3.72 compared to last year.
Savings and Context
Many homeowners could see even larger savings, as the average home value dropped from $371,000 in 2024 to $358,000 in 2025, per Tarrant Appraisal District data. County Judge Tim O’Hare, a Southlake Republican, has delivered on his 2022 campaign promise to cut taxes annually since taking office in 2023. The court also raised the homestead exemption to 20% and set rates below the no new revenue rate, ensuring tax bills decrease despite past value spikes.
“For the third year in a row, Tarrant County taxpayers were protected and prioritized,” O’Hare said. “Responsible conservative governance always works.” This approach has saved millions while maintaining essential services.
Budget and Service Changes
To support these cuts, the county reduced its budget by 8.8% since 2023, from $905 million to a proposed $825 million for 2026. This funds critical areas like the courts, sheriff’s office, district attorney’s office, and public health department. The plan eliminates 67 positions, including the Human Services Department, which provided aid for rent and utilities. Outsourcing this work is expected to save $3 million annually.
However, these cuts have sparked debate, with 2025 community feedback showing 70% of residents support tax relief, while 20% worry about service impacts, based on local surveys.
Community Perspectives
The 3-2 vote split along party lines, with Republicans O’Hare, Matt Krause of Keller, and Manny Ramirez of Fort Worth in favor, while Democrats Roderick Miles of Fort Worth and Alisa Simmons of Arlington opposed. Miles argued that growing population needs, with Tarrant County adding 30,000 residents since 2020, require stable funding…