County Budget, Tax Rate Approved by 3-2 Vote

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court Tuesday approved the county budget and tax rate for 2014-15 by a 3-2 vote. The budget includes a slight tax rate increase from .323564 to .33, which is projected to generate $915,884 in additional revenue that will be dedicated solely to road projects. For the average-priced home of $144,817, the annual increase in County property taxes would be an estimated $9. County Judge Joel Baker says Smith County will maintain one of the lowest county tax rates in Texas.

The FY2015 budget provides funding for 19 new positions, 12 of which are in the Sheriff�s Office. Officials say that would bring the county�s headcount back to a level similar to what was in place during the economic downturn, when positions were eliminated. Several residents recently voiced their concerns to KETK about the budget. Some say they are unclear on how the county is going to pay for a new administrative office as well as increase county retirement benefits, two items included in the package. You can go to http://www.smith-county.com to view the budget in its entirety.