Collin County tax rate could decrease

The Commissioners Court is looking to decrease the property tax rate next year from $0.2375 to $0.235 per $100 in property value.

If approved, 2015 would be the 22nd consecutive year the county did not increase the tax rate and the fifth time in the past eight years that the county cut the tax rate.

The growth in the county has generated enough revenue that the county can afford to not increase the rates, said Mark Reid, county commissioner for Precinct 1, which includes Frisco.

A revenue surplus has allowed commissioners to consider a rate decrease for next year, Reid said.

The Commissioners Court began discussing the proposed fiscal year 2015 budget Aug. 18 with a two-day budget workshop.

The Commissioners Court will hold the next public hearing for the tax rate on Sept. 15. On Sept. 22 the court is scheduled to approve the tax rate and budget.

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.