Collin County begins FY 2015 budget discussions

Collin County's proposed fiscal year 2015 budget would increase the operating funds by 2 percent and keep the tax rate steady.

The Commissioners Court began discussing the proposed budget Aug. 18 with a two-day budget workshop.

The court will hold two public hearings for the tax rate on Sept. 8 and Sept. 15. On Sept. 22 the court is scheduled to approve the tax rate and budget.

Some highlights from the proposed budget include:

• The proposed tax rate is $0.23750 per $100 valuation, the same as this year. If approved, 2015 would be the 22^nd year the county did not increase the tax rate.
• The total operating budget—which includes the general fund, roads and bridges fund and the permanent improvement fund—is proposed to increase by 2 percent to $198.6 million.
• The healthcare fund is proposed to increase by 5.7 percent to $3.9 million, though it is still 26 percent less than the 2011 fund.
• The county is recommending 13 locations, including the sub-courthouse in Frisco, receive new furniture totaling $1 million.