Tarrant County likely to lower property taxes. Here’s how much you could save
Tarrant County commissioners gave initial approval to a property tax cut Wednesday, the third consecutive year they have lowered bills for most homeowners.
In a 3-2 vote along party lines, the commissioners approved a rate of 18.63 cents per $100 of valuation. If commissioners approve the rate Sept. 16, the owner of a single-family home at the average value of $358,000 will pay $533 in county taxes. That’s $3.72 less than the tax a year ago on the same value.
Many homeowners will see even bigger savings because home values are dropping. The average value was $371,000 in 2024, according to the Tarrant Appraisal District.
County Judge Tim O’Hare, a Southlake Republican, promised in his 2022 campaign to cut property taxes annually, which he has done since beginning his role in 2023.
Since then, the court increased the homestead exemption to 20% and adopted rates below the no new revenue rate — the tax rate that would generate the same amount of revenue from properties that were on the tax rolls the previous year.
“For the third year in a row, Tarrant County taxpayers were protected and prioritized,” O’Hare said in a statement. “By passing tax rates below the No-New-Revenue Rates for multiple years and still providing exemplary services, Tarrant County is an example that governments can do more with less. Responsible conservative governance always works.”
Commissioners have also cut spending during that time. The budget has fallen by 8.8% since 2023, from $905 million to the proposed $825 million in 2026. The county funds the courts, the sheriff’s office, the district attorney’s office and the public health department. The proposed budget eliminates 67 positions.
The elimination of the Human Services Department is expected to save $3 million. The department provided temporary financial assistance to individuals and families for rent, mortgage, utilities, hygiene items and transportation. The work will be outsourced.
Before O’Hare took office, many homeowners saw increased tax bills because lower or flat tax rates were offset by rapidly increasing property values.
Democrats Roderick Miles of Fort Worth and Alisa Simmons of Arlington voted against the proposed tax rate.
Miles said the needs of constituents grow as Tarrant County’s population grows. To continue proposing extreme cuts would not be serving those residents, Miles said.
“The preamble of the Constitution reminds us why government exists: to establish justice, to ensure this domestic tranquility and provide for the common defense,” Miles said. “And this is the part that speaks to promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty. When we continue to reduce the county’s tax rate below what is needed to meet the essential needs of our residents, I believe we’re violating that promise.”
Republicans O’Hare, Matt Krause of Keller and Manny Ramirez of Fort Worth voted for the proposal. The final vote will take place at the next meeting at 10 a.m. Sept. 16 in the Commissioners Courtroom.
This story was originally published September 3, 2025 at 3:55 PM.