EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso County Commissioners Court adopted a fiscal year 2026 budget totaling $635.6 million during its meeting on Monday, Sept. 15.
That spending plan includes essential services, maintains community programs and prepares to meet future challenges, the County said.
“At its core, the budget reflects a simple goal: keep serving the people of El Paso County in the
areas that matter most — public safety, health, infrastructure, and community well-being — while staying financially responsible,” the County said in a news release.
Earlier this summer, commissioners voted to raise property taxes, a move expected to cost the average homeowner about $137 more a year.
Here are some highlights of the budget, according to the County:
- Public Safety: $5.2 million to meet commitments to Sheriff’s Office employees covered
under the collective bargaining agreement. - Health and Mental Health Care: $2.3 million more for medical and mental health services
in the detention system. - Roads and Bridges: $6.8 million transferred to maintain local roads, funded by auto sales
tax revenues. - Community Programs: Increases for animal welfare services, municipal ID, and other
underfunded operations that directly serve residents. - Infrastructure: Continued investments in flood control, mobility, and facility upgrades
through voter-approved bonds.
To balance the budget, the County is using $32.9 million from reserves, while still
leaving an estimated $47 million in emergency funds — about 10% of yearly expenses, the County said.
“This cushion ensures the County can respond to unexpected needs, like natural disasters or shifts in state funding. Some investments, however, had to be delayed. With few exceptions, this budget does not include salary increases for staff, new positions, or expanded retiree benefits. By pressing pause on some of these expenses, the County is working to rebuild its savings for the future,” the County said.
Like many Texas counties, El Paso operates under Senate Bill 2, which caps most property tax
increases at 3.5% without voter approval. While new growth in the tax base will add about $7
million in revenue, inflation and unfunded state mandates continue to strain resources, the County said.
“This budget keeps law enforcement and public safety a priority, supports public health, invests in infrastructure, and safeguards taxpayer dollars. It is steady, responsible, and built to serve the
people of El Paso County,” the County said.
Read: Read More