The Collin County Observer™

Monday morning, the county commissioners court approved a $240.2 million budget for fiscal 2010 with only a few small last minute changes.

The budget passed by a 5 - 0 vote, making this year the first that I remember where Commissioner Jerry Hoagland voted FOR the budget.

The 2010 budget is less than 0.3% larger than last year and it breaks no little ground in new programs, discontinued programs, or improved services. The new budget calls for 1,794 county employees, a net increase of two.

Employees were held to an average 1-1/2% 'pay for performance' increase, while elected officials' salaries did not increase from 2009.

Despite rhetoric from a few commissioners who would like to characterize this year's tax burden as a 'cut', county tax revenues are expected to increase slightly from last year. However, the tax rate, set at $0.2425 per $100 in valuation, remains unchanged, making this year the 17th consecutive year with no tax rate increase. Those homeowners in the county who saw their valuations drop this year will get a tax cut, those whose valuations increased will see a comparable increase in their county taxes. The typical homeowner will realize a $3.48 reduction in 2010 county property taxes.

The commissioners also approved a 264 page "schedule of fees". These fees, ranging from court costs to dog pound charges, along with court fines total approximately 15% of the the county's revenue.

Bill

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NOTES:

The FY 2010 Proposed Budget is here. (Note: big file - 952 kb)

The FY 2010 Schedule of Fees is here.

The FY 2010 Elected Officials' Salary list is here.

The FY 2010 property tax rate breakdown is here.