Dallas County - Office of Budget and Evaluation

About Dallas County: Dallas County has a population of almost 2.5 million and is the ninth most populous county in the United States. Dallas County encompasses 30 diverse, growing cities, with a vibrant, well-educated population. The City of Dallas, serving as the county seat and a thriving regional hub, is the third most populous city in the state and the ninth most populous in the country. Dallas County has one of the lowest property tax rates in the state. Its fiscal policies and management practices have allowed it to be regarded as one of the best-run counties in the country by Governing Magazine, and it is one of only a few counties in the United States to have a “AAA” bond rating from both Moody’s and Standard & Poors. The county employs over 6,500 and has an FY2020 total budget of $1.03 billion.

Dallas County Governance and Organization:Dallas County is governed by a Commissioners Court, which consists of the County Judge (the chairperson of the Court), who is elected county-wide, and four Commissioners, who are elected by voters in each of four districts. The Commissioners Court serves as the legislative and executive branch of government, with budget authority over most County departments. The County hires a County Administrator who is responsible for day-to-day operations and implementing the Dallas County Master Plan and directives of the Commissioners Court. The Commissioners Court sets the county tax rate, adopts the budget, appoints boards and commissions, approves grants and personnel actions, and oversees the administration of county government. The Commissioners Court also approves the budget and sets the tax rate for the hospital district, which provides acute medical care for citizens who otherwise would not receive adequate medical services.