Dallas County voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to approve a 2.4-cent property tax increase that county officials say would help fund efforts to reduce homelessness, address encampments and expand access to mental health and housing programs.

Dallas County commissioners approved an election order Aug. 11 calling the voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE, for the 2026 tax year.

If approved, the higher tax rate is expected to generate about $102.9 million in additional revenue, according to the county.

Officials say the money would be used for programs focused on reducing homelessness and resolving encampments, increasing access to mental health treatment and supporting programs that provide stable housing.

The proposed 2.4-cent increase is in addition to the county’s voter-approval tax rate. The county’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget is based on an adopted tax rate of $0.248650 per $100 of taxable value.

For a median Dallas County homestead with a taxable value of $268,056, the county estimates the annual county property tax would be $666.52 under the adopted rate.

The county estimates the proposed tax rate election would generate about $1.58 billion in total revenue, including the $102.9 million tied to the VATRE.

The 2.4-cent increase refers to the tax rate itself, not a 2.4% increase in a homeowner’s total property tax bill. The actual impact for individual property owners would depend on the taxable value of their property after exemptions.

Residents can use the county’s property tax impact calculator to estimate how the proposed increase could affect their own tax bill. Taxable property values can be found through the Dallas Central Appraisal District.

The election is required because the county’s proposed tax rate exceeds the voter-approval tax rate allowed under state law.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Qualified Dallas County voters will be able to vote for or against the proposed tax rate.

Stay informed, and support your local community newspaper, subscribe to The Sachse News.