Denton County News
Mental Health A Priority
We are researching the potential for a Denton County Mental Health and Diversion Center Pilot, which would create an alternative for law enforcement where incarceration of low-level non-violent offenders who are suffering from mental health challenges should, instead, be directed towards mental health services and solutions.
The implementation of this program would require state funding support, which is why we are working with industry leaders to assist in developing a strategic plan. I look forward to keeping you updated on this important initiative.
Denton County Earns Five National Awards
The National Association of Counties (NACo) recognized Denton County with five achievement awards for projects in the past year – the most since 2022.
We were recognized in the Criminal Justice and Public Safety category for our regional fire and EMS model. In Financial Management, we received recognition for the modernization of our budget procedures. For Personnel Management, Employment and Training, we launched ROAR (Recruitment, Onboarding, and Retention) in our Tax Office, under the leadership of our Tax Assessor-Collector Dawn Waye. In Risk and Emergency Management, our Office of Emergency Management developed a progressive training and exercise program to strengthen continuity of government and regional coordination. And, lastly, in Civic Education and Public Information, we were recognized for launching the Denton County Conversations podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and on our website here: dentoncounty.gov/1846/Denton-County-Conversations. Denton County has garnered a total of 11 NACo achievement awards since 2022.
Denton County’s 2026-27 Budget Review Underway
As we balance the 2027 economic forecast with the rapid growth we continue to experience, our Commissioners Court remains focused on the bottom line – ensuring our taxpayers receive the lowest possible property tax rate.
Strengthening our emergency response and managing our rapid growth are the main initiatives going into the new fiscal year, which begins on Oct. 1, 2026.
As we go through the 2026-27 budget process this month into September, rest assured that we will continue to provide transparency and fiscally sound practices we are known for.
You are welcome to attend our Commissioners Court meetings at 10 am on August 18 for the presentation of the recommended budget and at 10 am on September 22 for the public hearings on the proposed tax rate and proposed budget. Our proposed budget will be available on our website at: dentoncounty.gov.
Connect with Judge Andy at Andy.Eads@DentonCounty.gov
The Role of County Commissioner
Kevin Falconer
County government impacts your everyday life – from the roads you drive on to the court systems that handle everything from small claims to criminal proceedings and much more.
Counties are the official record keepers – from property and home deeds to birth and death certificates. We manage the county jail, work with MHMR on mental health, provide public health services, work with municipalities and school districts to provide one tax notice each year, and register motor vehicles – to name just a few of the services we provide.
The Republic of Texas created counties with the Constitution of 1836. The Republic initially created 23 counties. As Texas settled, the number of counties continued to grow until the current number of 254. The Constitution of 1876 set up the Commissioners Court as we know it today.
The Texas Constitution specifically outlines the structure of county government, making counties the functional agents of the state. Unlike cities, which have broad authority to enact local ordinances, counties are limited to actions that are specifically authorized in the Texas Constitution and statutes.
Each county in Texas is divided into four commissioner precincts with each commissioner being directly elected to a four-year term. Commissioners are elected on staggered terms with two precincts voting for the office of commissioner in each general election. The County Judge is also elected to a four-year term and serves as the fifth member of the Commissioners Court.
Managing and approving the county budget each year is a major responsibility of Commissioners Court. During the budgeting process, Commissioners review the employment requests within the county and consider the level of funding necessary for other county offices to carry out their duties and responsibilities.
The Commissioners Court also sets the county’s property tax rate. Additionally, it has the authority to grant tax incentives for economic development and authorize contracts on behalf of the county.
Commissioners have the responsibility of providing oversight of the county’s infrastructure – from construction, maintenance, and improvement of county roads and bridges to establishing long-range thoroughfare, open space, and land use plans, and acquiring property for rights-of-way or other uses determined to be in the public’s best interest. Other responsibilities range from reviewing and approving subdivision platting for rural areas to providing rural ambulance services and subsidizing rural fire protection.
Our duties also include financial and law enforcement/jail needs planning, establishing commissioners and justice of the peace precinct boundaries, and setting employment and benefit policies for the county.
Commissioners Court may also call, conduct, and certify elections, including bond elections. We also appoint non-elected department heads and members of standing boards including MHMR, CPS, and others.
Collectively, our Denton County Commissioners Court is committed to providing good services to residents while ensuring the county is a good steward of your tax dollars.
