Frequently Asked Questions 1. What tax rate did the Commissioners Court adopt?
The Rockwall County Commissioners Court approved a rate of $0.2510 per $100 of property valuation with a vote of 5 to 0 for Fiscal Year 2026. This rate is lower than last year's rate of $0.2547 per $100 of assessed value. The coming fiscal year starts Oct 1.
The Tax Rate Vote:
Judge Frank New - Yes
Commissioner Bobby Gallana, Pct. 1 – Yes
Commissioner Dana Macalik, Pct. 2 - Yes
Commissioner Lorne Liechty, Pct. 3 - Yes
Commissioner John Stacy, Pct. 4 - Yes
2. What is the total amount of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget?
$59,018,950.00
FY 25 was $55,479,016.00
The Fiscal Year 2026 Budget was approved on a 4 to 1 vote.
Judge Frank New - No
Commissioner Bobby Gallana, Pct. 1 – Yes
Commissioner Dana Macalik, Pct. 2 - Yes
Commissioner Lorne Liechty, Pct. 3 - Yes
Commissioner John Stacy, Pct. 4 - Yes
3. What is the percentage increase over last year’s budget?
It’s a 6% increase.
4. What are some highlights in the total FY 26 budget?
a. A lower tax rate than the voter-approved rate of 0.2521.
b. Allocated nearly $1.4 million for road repair and maintenance of the 22 miles of county roads, as well as for acquiring additional equipment to complete repairs.
c. The Sheriff’s Office and the County Courthouse 3rd Floor Courtroom remodel projects were funded without an increase to the tax rate.
d. Partial funds were allocated for the expansion of the County Courthouse District Attorney’s Office.
e. Added a Fire Marshal, which will allow better inspection of new construction within the county and enforcement of our rules and regulations.
f. To effectively meet the demands of our growing county, we will hire more 911 Dispatcher/Communication Officers to prioritize the safety and well-being of our residents by expanding our team.
g. Added $355,000.00 in additional legal funds to defend Rockwall County against two lawsuits resulting from our efforts to require developers to participate in funding the infrastructure required by their development.
5. How many new full-time positions were requested and approved?
34 full-time positions were requested, and 21 were approved, with 13 of those supporting the 503rd District Court.
6. What is the impact of the new 503rd District Court on the budget?
Rockwall County is introducing a new District Court next year, which is expected to incur approximately $ 1.7 million in additional expenses for the FY 2026 Budget.
7. What changes in pay have been recommended for elected officials and county employees?
Elected officials will receive a 3% pay raise, while county employees will get 4%.
8. What is the median taxable value of a homestead in Rockwall County this year and what was it last year?
2025 - $424,397.00
2024 - $402,149.00
9. 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 to those who sign up before the meeting begins.
10. Where can I learn more about the Fiscal Year 2026 budget?
You can email the County Auditor, the County Judge, or the County Commissioners from the website.
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Rockwall County Judge Frank New explains the process behind determining the county's tax rate and budget, highlighting the careful considerations made by the Commissioners Court to reach these important decisions for the community.