Following weeks of budget workshops and one-on-one meetings, Victoria County Judge Ben Zeller has filed a proposed 2026 annual county budget with the Victoria County Clerk. The proposed budget now on file lowers the Victoria County property tax rate to the No New Revenue Rate without reducing county services.
The new county budget will be in effect from January 1st-December 31st 2026, and despite a number of challenges the proposed budget was filed ahead of the deadline set by Texas law. As County Judge, Zeller also serves as Chief Budget Office for Victoria County. Highlights of the proposed 2026 budget include:
• Invests approximately $1,400,000 in enhancing first responder compensation
• Covers a one-time expense of over $600,000 in the county’s Fire/EMS contract with the city
• Funds the 27th pay period that occurs every 11 years for the county and costs over $1,300,000
• Balances the budget without increasing county employee health insurance premiums
• Makes focused investments in county operations such as the Health Department and Airport
• Creates a pay pool for Reserve County Constables
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE BUDGET