County Adopts Lower Property Tax Rate
Young County Commissioners approved a $19.4 million budget and lowered the property tax rate during their Aug. 25 meeting, adopting a financial plan that balances employee pay raises, infrastructure improvements, and public safety needs with a modest increase in property tax revenue.
County Judge Win Graham said the adopted tax rate of $0.586350 per $100 valuation will generate about 4.6 percent more revenue than the state-calculated no-new-revenue rate. For homeowners, that translates into an additional $26.04 in county property taxes on a home valued at $100,000, he said.
“I’m proud that this budget decreases the County tax rate for the second year in a row, and I believe this budget is well thought out and a good use of citizens’ tax dollars,” Judge Graham said.
The budget draws on several major sources of revenue, including $9 million in property taxes, $1.8 million in sales taxes, $1.2 million in green energy abatements, $900,000 in reinvestment of county re- serves, and $800,000 in grants.
The most expensive items in the budget were: three-percent pay raises for County employees and elected officials, a new position at the County jail, construction of the storm-damaged courthouse gazebo, upgrades to the County Courthouse, and the courthouse annex, three new patrol vehicles, improved security at the Olney Courthouse Annex, a “This budget reflects teamwork and careful planning,” Judge Graham said. “The commissioners, county auditor, and county treasurer all put in a tremendous amount of work to ensure that we could address county needs while being mindful of the tax burden on our citizens.”
The additional revenue will fund several key initiatives for fiscal year 2026. Among them are a 3 percent salary increase for all county employees and elected officials, a new position at the Young County Jail, and a series of road and bridge projects aimed at improving infrastructure throughout the county.
While the adopted tax rate is slightly higher than the no-new-revenue rate, Judge Graham noted that it will be fractionally lower than last year’s rate of $0.586353 per $100 valuation. He said the difference demonstrates the county’s effort to hold the line on taxes while still investing in critical services.
The budget workshop leading up to the vote allowed commissioners to review a draft prepared by Judge Graham, make adjustments, and agree on final figures. Judge Graham said he was proud of the cooperative spirit displayed during the process, which he described as transparent and responsive to county needs.
The 2026 fiscal year begins Oct. 1.