The Grayson County Commissioners proposed a 1.5% increase in city sales and use tax to unincorporated areas of the county last week to help offset the cost of fire/EMS services to those areas.
With continued population growth, the demand for emergency services rises. Currently, citizens within city limits pay sales and use tax which the city collects and uses for things like emergency services. There is no sales and use tax in unincorporated areas of the county (areas typically outside the city limits that are governed by the county rather than the city), so the county provides a stipend to municipalities for those areas.
“In 2025, Grayson County has spent $2.9 million on fire and EMS services for unincorporated areas of our county,” County Commissioner Lindsay Wright said. “In the coming year, we’re projecting $3.2 million for these services coming out of the general fund.”
In looking for ways to continue to provide emergency services to all areas of the county without breaking the bank, the commissioners began brainstorming.
“The sales tax wouldn’t just affect citizens. Anyone who spends money in those unincorporated areas -- even visitors to Lake Texoma -- would be contributing,” Wright said. “Other counties have had great success with this. It seems to be the most immediate fix that would be best for all individuals.”
After a 3-1 vote by the commissioners, the proposal will now appear on the ballot this November. The city sales and use tax (which, to be clear, is NOT a property tax) would exclusively be for citizens in unincorporated areas, therefore those are the only citizens who can vote on this matter in November. The funds generated from this tax would be prioritized first for fire/EMS services and any surplus would then be distributed to roads and bridges, then law enforcement services.
The Grayson County Commissioners plan to create a landing page on their website with factual information about the tax. They will also hold town hall meetings to provide opportunities for citizens to learn more.
“I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say that we would love and appreciate the opportunity to answer any questions,” Wright said.