Civic Insights with David Billings
Rockwall County is at a crossroads and doing nothing is no longer an option.
The latest political headlines have centered on the November election, but the next real inflection point arrives much sooner: the March 2026 primary and the 89th Legislature’s interim committee hearings. Governor Abbott has already kicked off his re-election campaign with roughly $90 million in the bank, and his message carries major implications for every county in Texas, including ours.
At his announcement, the Governor didn’t hold back:
“Local governments are hiking your property taxes incessantly,” he warned. “It’s time to drive a stake through the heart of the ability of local property tax hikes for good.”
He reinforced a familiar theme: Texans should be allowed to vote on abolishing school property taxes, the largest portion of most homeowners’ bills. He proposed two-thirds voter approval for tax increases, local government cost caps, five-year appraisal cycles, and a lower appraisal cap. In short, the state is signaling an aggressive shift toward more centralized control over local taxation.
But curiously absent from the Governor’s remarks was any mention of Municipal Utility Districts, the MUDs which impose some of the highest property tax burdens in Texas. It’s an interesting omission.
Still, the larger point is clear: Austin is expanding its authority over local government. The question for Rockwall County is simple, how do we respond?
We Already Have the Roadmap
Thankfully, the answer is already in our hands. It’s called the Rockwall County Strategic Plan 2050 – Protecting Our Future which was unanimously approved by the Rockwall County Commissioners Court. Now, we need to act.
This plan wasn’t drafted in the back room. It reflects broad and meaningful participation:
- More than 2,100 community engagements
- Over 11,000 website interactions
- 8 public workshops
- More than 125 employee survey responses
- 15 Community Steering Committee meetings
In short, this plan represents the voice of the people and the workforce that serves them.
Preparing for a Future of Less Local Control
As state leaders advance tighter spending limits and require voter approval for tax-rate increases, the Strategic Plan gives Rockwall County a realistic way to implement.
One key recommendation is the creation of a Commissioners’ Court Advisory Committee, a public-facing group that improves transparency, builds trust, and ensures residents are part of major policy and budget decisions. This is how you strengthen local control when Austin is narrowing it.
The plan also emphasizes internal efficiency. By identifying and implementing best practices across departments, and creating team-member-led working groups, the County can improve customer service while reducing costs, exactly the kind of fiscal discipline state leaders say they want.
Regional Unity Matters More Than Ever
If Rockwall County wants a real voice in Austin, we must build stronger alliances with regional partners like the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) and the North Texas Commission (NTC). A divided county is a powerless county. A unified county has political leverage.
Our message to Austin and Washington must be simple and firm: Keep local decision-making local.
We Need a County-Wide Legislative Strategy
Right now, individual elected officials send letters to the Legislature. It’s well-meaning, but it’s not enough. We need a county-wide legislative committee that brings together cities, citizens, and a small number of elected officials to develop a single set of priorities. Unity equals influence.
Infrastructure Costs Are Squeezing Families and Local Governments
Consider what we’re up against:
- TXDOT road funding continues to decline
- The Public Utility Commission keeps approving electric and natural-gas rate increases
- Internet costs are rising
- Water and sewer rates are climbing
Local governments feel pressure. Citizens feel it even more.
This is why the Strategic Plan calls for a robust infrastructure committee with real commitments from utilities and all governments in Rockwall County. Right now, not everyone is at the table and it’s hurting our ability to plan, coordinate, and solve the infrastructure problems we all share.
Supporting Veterans Means Strengthening Public Safety and Mental Health
As we recognize Veterans Month, it’s not enough to offer gratitude. We need action: stronger mental health resources, updated emergency management plans, and continue the close coordination between law enforcement and EMS. These are the building blocks of a safer county.
The Bottom Line
Rockwall County is growing. The pressures are real. The state is shifting more authority to itself. But we are not powerless, not if we act.
The Rockwall County Strategic Plan 2050 provides the roadmap. What we need now is the courage, the unity, and the leadership to follow it.
Doing nothing will harm our county.
Doing something. and doing it together will protect our future.
For Rockwall County and Freedom
About the Author
David Billings, retired Mayor of Fate, has served the community for over a decade. A longtime business leader in the telecommunication industry, Navy veteran, and resident of Rockwall County, he brings both professional and civic experience to his writing on government, budgeting, and local economics. He is a graduate of Leadership Rockwall, North Texas Commission Leadership Program, active in several Rockwall County non-profits boards, and the American Legion.
He is passionate about civic involvement in local government, maintaining transparent governance and thoughtful strategic planning to preserve a bright future for the regions.
