Jeff Davis County residents are being encouraged to attend Tuesday’s Commissioners Court meeting at 10 a.m. to share their views on the proposed 2025 budget and tax rate.
According to Melanie Blackman, owner of Limpia Realty and a community activist who reviewed the county’s financial documents, the proposed tax rate of $0.6495 per $100 valuation is higher than the “No New Revenue” tax rate of $0.60841. Blackman’s analysis shows that adopting the higher rate would generate more revenue, leaving an estimated $343,361 in excess funds. By comparison, the No New Revenue rate would still provide an excess of $220,898.
Blackman also raised concerns about certain line items in the proposed budget. Her review highlights a nearly 49 percent increase in County Judge Curtis Evans’s budget compared with last year, while most other departments increased closer to 10 percent or reduced spending. She also pointed to budgeting levels for indigent health care, investigator costs, and county paramedics as areas needing closer scrutiny.
Blackman said using the No New Revenue rate could give taxpayers some relief, particularly as rising property values are already contributing to higher tax bills.
The Commissioners Court is expected to review the budget and tax rate during Tuesday’s meeting.
