Jasper County Adopts FY 2026 Budget, Lowers Tax Rate

JASPER COUNTY, Texas — The Jasper County Commissioners Court met in special session Friday, September 5, where members adopted the county’s FY2026 budget and ultimately voted to set the tax rate at $0.5711 per $100 valuation — the same as last year.

Public Hearing & Budget Workshop

The meeting began with a public hearing on the proposed tax rate, which had initially been filed at $0.5711 in July to match the prior year’s rate, then later adjusted to $0.6162. After community input and discussion, the Court moved into a budget workshop before voting to restore the rate to the original $0.5711 figure.

Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Larry Pulliam and Major Steve Crowell thanked the Court for approving:

• Three new deputy positions

• Increased salaries and certificate pay for deputies, jailers, dispatchers, and support staff

• Funding for vehicles

• Transfer of a county-funded secretary position from TxDOT’s Jasper office to the Sheriff’s Office, with duties based at the Buna Sub Courthouse to support South Jasper County operations

The Court also noted that Jasper County’s six constables will benefit from the salary adjustments, and approved the county’s local match for a 440-foot radio communications tower to be built at the Sheriff’s Office to strengthen law enforcement communication and emergency response.

Community Supervision & Corrections

The Court approved adding Panola County to the jurisdiction of the East Texas Community Supervision & Corrections Department, which already covers Jasper, Newton, Sabine, San Augustine, Tyler, and Shelby counties. Officials noted the change would carry no additional cost to Jasper County.

Appointments & Service Recognition

Commissioners accepted the retirement of Calvin Cooper from the Jasper County Emergency Services District #4 board and appointed Todd Parsons to serve the remainder of the term. The Court expressed thanks to both men — Cooper for his years of service, and Parsons for stepping up to volunteer.

Grant Approvals

• Airports: Renewed Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP) contracts with TxDOT Aviation for both Bell Field Airport and the Kirbyville Airport. These programs allow Jasper County to leverage local funds to access up to $100,000 in state grants for upkeep and improvements.

• Indigent Defense: Approved a $30,459 grant from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission to help offset costs of court-appointed attorneys in criminal cases.

Other Court Actions

• Reappointed County Judge Mark Allen to continue serving on the Spindletop Center board of directors.

• Approved Jasper County’s participation in a national opioid settlement involving several pharmaceutical companies, including Alvogen, Amneal, Apotex, Hikma, Indivior, Mylan, Sun, and Zydus.