Brown County is moving forward with plans to relocate three county departments while preparing for a higher property-tax rate in fiscal year 2026/2027. Commissioners approved several early steps Monday for remodeling projects involving the Treasury, Elections and Tax Assessor-Collector offices.
The projects will affect the Tax Assessor-Collector office in the Courthouse, the Election Office and County Treasurer at 613 North Fisk, and a newly acquired building at 600 Fisk. Before construction or remodeling can begin, asbestos surveys must be completed at all three locations.
Surveys and construction planning approved
Commissioners approved bids totaling $12,700 from King Consultants of Abilene for the asbestos surveys. The surveys are a required preliminary step before the county can begin remodeling the three buildings.
Southwest Architects Inc. is developing the remodeling plans. Jeff Heffelfinger of Southwest Architects recommended issuing a Request for Qualifications for a Construction Manager at Risk, and commissioners approved moving ahead with that process.
Applications for the construction-manager position are due September 28. Commissioners are scheduled to consider the applicants October 19. The court also approved a preliminary plan for the three buildings prepared by Southwest Architects.
County sets tax rate and budget hearing
Commissioners approved an ad valorem tax rate of 0.51609 for the upcoming 2026/2027 fiscal year. That is a 4.29% increase from the current rate of 0.49482.
The court also approved a public hearing for September 2 at 9 a.m. in the Courthouse. The hearing will address the proposed county budget for fiscal year 2026/2027, possible adoption of that budget, consideration of ad valorem tax rates for Tax Year 2026 and possible adoption of those rates.
The hearing gives residents an opportunity to follow the county’s budget and tax-rate process before final action is considered.
Patrol vehicle approved; burn ban remains on
In other action, commissioners approved the purchase of a previously authorized patrol vehicle for the Brown County Sheriff’s Department. The purchase will use fiscal year 2026 Senate Bill 22 funds.
Commissioners took no action to change the county’s burn-ban status. The current Burn Ban remains ON.
