Smith County Budget, Tax Rate Approved

TYLER — Smith County Commissioners approved a budget Tuesday morning. According to KETK, the budget calls for 33 county job cuts and a property tax increase. In a crowded room, a handful of taxpayers gave their final words to the court before Commissioners decided on a final budget. They voted to increase property taxes by $.025.

During the discussion, Commissioner Bill McGinnis says he does not like the tax rate, and he thinks it should be higher. The votes for the budget and tax increase were 4-1 when Commissioner Terry Phillips voted against both. Phillips says, “I just feel like there was more that could have been done to lower the tax rate.” The 33 job cuts include 17 Road and Bridge, six administrative, five Judicial, three Public Safety, and two Agricultural Extension jobs.