Hidalgo County Adopts $316 Million Budget Without Raising Tax Rate

Staff Report

EDINBURG — The Hidalgo County Commissioners Court approved a $316 million budget for Fiscal Year 2025 on Tuesday, while maintaining the current tax rate of 57.5 cents per $100 valuation. Despite keeping the rate steady, rising property values will result in a 6 percent increase in taxes for property owners.

In addition to property tax revenue, the budget projects $2 million in additional income from fines, fees, local grants, and county service charges. The budget also includes a $105 million fund balance, or rainy day fund, which is expected to help pay off county debt.

Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez noted that savings from delayed projects, such as the new county courthouse and the Willacy County jail, contributed to the financial outlook.

The 2025 budget also includes a 5 percent cost of living adjustment for county employees to maintain competitive wages and address worker shortages in key county functions.

Source — Hidalgo County Commissioners Court.