Tarrant County Commissioners Court voted Monday to lower county and hospital district property tax rates below their respective no-new-revenue levels for the third consecutive year, capping off a week of political maneuvering that briefly stalled the proposal.
On September 18, Democrat Commissioners Roderick Miles Jr. and Alisa Simmons skipped a meeting to block a tax rate vote, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Judge Tim O’Hare said their absence caused the rates to “revert to the no-new-revenue rate, which is higher than the proposed rates previously approved by a 3-2 majority.”
“Lowering taxes can be a worthy goal, but it cannot come at the expense of neglecting our obligations,” Miles said in a press release.
Simmons defended her absence, saying it was not a “political ploy.”
“My absence from Commissioners Court today is not a political ploy: It is a legal and necessary act of conscience,” Simmons said. “It is a step to protect Tarrant County residents and defend our fundamental values of caring for our neighbors and ensuring basic human dignity.”
Republican Commissioner Manny Ramirez criticized the move.
“I don’t understand the purpose of not being here, to not pass the tax rate,” Ramirez said, noting that the budget would pass regardless.
Republicans countered on September 22 with a special meeting, approving cuts that O’Hare said will save taxpayers nearly $30 million compared to the no-new-revenue rates.
The adopted rates represent a 16.9% reduction in the county tax rate and a 26.5% decrease in the JPS Health Network tax rate since 2023, according to county records.
“Today’s adopted tax rates saved Tarrant County taxpayers nearly $30 million compared to the no-new-revenue rates, providing real relief to families and businesses,” O’Hare said in a statement. “From the day I took office, I have fought to lower taxes, cut spending, reduce waste, and prioritize public safety.”
Statement from Judge Tim O’Hare’s office detailing approved property tax reductions for 2026
In an exclusive comment to The Dallas Express, O’Hare added:
“Democrats are accustomed to Republicans rolling over in a fight. But last week showed what happens when Republicans actually stand their ground. We made it clear that if a Commissioner is willing to show that much disdain for taxpayers, they can expect actual consequences. We fought for taxpayers and we won.”