FORT WORTH, Texas — The Tarrant County College Board of Trustees today approved a 2026 property tax rate of 12 cents per $100 valuation, reinforcing TCC’s commitment to affordable education and student success amid significant declines in state and local funding.
The rate increases from the current 11.228 cents per $100 valuation. For the average Tarrant County residence homestead with a taxable value of $341,599, the change represents an estimated annual increase of $5.83 in TCC property taxes.
The action follows approval in August of TCC’s balanced $429.4 million operating budget for fiscal year 2027. The budget supports high-demand workforce programs and protects teaching and learning.
“Our responsibility as trustees is to carefully balance fiscal discipline with the needs of the students, families and employers who depend on Tarrant County College,” board President Jeannie Deakyne said. “We understand the frustration taxpayers feel when property taxes increase, and we share the expectation that every public institution must manage taxpayer dollars carefully and clearly explain how they are being used.
“TCC has reduced spending, prioritized essential services and worked hard to protect affordability. At the same time, we must ensure this College is equipped to continue providing the education and workforce training Tarrant County depends on. Maintaining that capacity is an investment worth protecting.”
The adopted rate comes as TCC navigates constraints affecting its three primary revenue sources: state appropriations, local property taxes, and tuition and fees.
Texas’ performance-based funding model rewards community colleges for measurable student outcomes, including degrees and workforce credentials earned, successful university transfers and dual credit completions. TCC students produced more of those outcomes last year, but statewide performance exceeded projections, and available state appropriations were insufficient to fully fund them. TCC expects to receive $59.6 million through the formula for FY 2027 — approximately $4.1 million less than anticipated.
At the same time, TCC’s certified net taxable property values dropped by approximately $39 billion, and tuition and mandatory fees remain frozen through the 2026-27 academic year. Earlier this year, TCC reversed planned fee increases that would have generated more than $9 million in additional revenue, keeping costs flat for students.
“Tarrant County College exists to create opportunity — for students, families, employers and the communities we serve,” Chancellor Elva LeBlanc said. “I am grateful to our Board of Trustees for its thoughtful stewardship and its commitment to protecting that mission. Their support allows us to continue investing in student success while preparing the highly skilled workforce our region needs to thrive.”
Balancing investment and affordability
The adopted 12-cent rate includes a maintenance and operations rate of 10.55 cents per $100 valuation and a debt-service rate of 1.45 cents. While the maintenance and operations rate increases, the debt-service rate decreases from the current 1.6 cents.
TCC also continues to provide a local residence homestead exemption equal to 1% of a home’s appraised value, with a minimum exemption of $5,000.
The FY 2027 budget represents a 3.5% increase from the current year and reflects TCC’s zero-based budgeting process, which requires expenses to be justified based on College priorities and student needs. The budget includes a 2% salary increase for full-time employees and absorbs an 8% increase in employee health insurance costs.
TCC continues to make significant investments that reduce costs for students and strengthen the regional economy. The College annually waives approximately $15.5 million in dual credit tuition for Tarrant County high school students and supports 18 Pathways in Technology Early College High School programs, 15 Early College High Schools, and dual credit offerings at 102 high school campuses.
TCC also is expanding education and training in such fields as aviation, advanced manufacturing, automotive technology, cybersecurity, education, film production, healthcare, information technology and public safety — all critical to the regional workforce.
Those investments extend well beyond TCC campuses. The College generates an estimated $2.3 billion in annual economic impact while helping employers develop the skilled workforce required to support Tarrant County’s continued growth.
“Responsible stewardship means looking not only at what something costs, but also at what our community receives in return,” Deakyne said. “TCC provides an affordable path to a college education, prepares people for good careers and supplies employers with the talent they need. We owe taxpayers transparency and accountability, and we owe this community a strong college capable of fulfilling that mission.”
About Tarrant County College
Tarrant County College serves nearly 100,000 students each year, offering accessible, affordable pathways to in-demand careers and university transfer. Across multiple campuses and TCC Connect — a fully online learning option — the College partners with more than 1,200 employers to help build the workforce that drives North Texas forward. Bold Steps. Better Futures.