Email from Tarrant County Bringing the Latest News from the Tarrant County Judge to Your Inbox! Greetings from Judge O'Hare The Christmas season is upon us - a time of reflection, gratitude, and giving. It’s a season where we come together with family and friends and share in the joy of the birth of our Savior. I want to thank all of you for your continued dedication and support throughout the past year. As we close out 2024, I’m please to reflect on some taxpayer wins for Tarrant County residents. The Commissioners Court adopted a FY2025 operating budget for Tarrant County that was reduced from the previous year, with a decrease from $896 million to $846 million. This reduction highlights our ongoing commitment to ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and effectively. We recognize the importance of managing resources prudently, particularly as we navigate economic challenges and work to meet the needs of our growing population. Additionally, I am pleased to announce that the Commissioners Court has taken additional steps to ease the burden on taxpayers. The tax rates for both the County and the Hospital District have been set below the No New Revenue Rate. This is an important milestone as it reflects our dedication to providing value to the taxpayers of Tarrant County. The Commissioners Court also approved an increase to the Homestead Exemption, which has been raised to 20% for both the County and Hospital District. This is the highest allowable exemption by statute and a first for Tarrant County. This reduction in property taxes will provide much needed property tax relief to homeowners. As we look ahead to the new year, I want to assure you that Tarrant County is committed to good governance, while ensuring that we provide the best possible services to our residents. Whether it’s supporting public safety or improving infrastructure, we remain focused on creating a county where residents can thrive and remain safe. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as your County Judge, and I look forward to working for you in the year to come. The O'Hare Family pictured at the GM Financial Parade of Lights in Fort Worth GM Financial Parade of Lights in Fort Worth It was an absolute joy to participate in this year's GM Financial Parade of Lights in Fort Worth! The festive atmosphere was truly something special, and I was proud to be part of such a wonderful community event. This year, my float's theme was the North Pole, and I was thrilled to have my wife, Christen, and our four little elves join me on the float to share in the magic of the Christmas season. The sight of so many beautifully decorated floats, combined with the smiles and cheers from the crowd, made the evening unforgettable. It was an honor to be among so many Tarrant County residents who helped make the parade such a vibrant and joyous occasion. The sense of community and Christmas spirit was palpable, and I’m grateful for the chance to be a part of it.  Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy the parade and to all the volunteers and organizers who made it possible. Fort Worth shined that night, and it was a pleasure to witness the festive fun with all of you! Deputy Tipton pictured with Judge O'Hare Tarrant County Deputies: The Personal Sacrifice Behind Public Safety The deputies of the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office often face challenging and dangerous situations as they work to protect and serve their community. With responsibilities ranging from enforcing the law, to responding to high-risk incidents, brave men and women put themselves in harm’s way each day to ensure the safety of others. Whether they are serving warrants, responding to domestic disturbances, or conducting criminal investigations, their work is full of unpredictable situations. Despite these dangers, our Tarrant County Sheriff’s Deputies remain committed to their duties, understanding the risks but always focused on keeping the public safe. Deputy Todd Tipton, who was shot multiple times in the line of duty earlier this year, highlights the commitment and bravery of those serving in the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Tipton, along with other deputies, attempted to serve felony warrants at a home in Fort Worth when they were met with gunfire. The suspect, who was wanted for serious crimes, including holding a minor against their will, opened fire on the officers as they arrived to execute the warrants. In the ensuing gunfire, Deputy Tipton was shot three times. It was a harrowing experience, but thankfully, Deputy Tipton survived. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by the deputies of the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office. Serving warrants and handling potentially volatile situations is just part of the job, but these risks can quickly escalate into serious encounters. The quick response and bravery of Deputy Tipton and his colleagues show just how prepared they are to face such threats, risking their own safety and security for that of the community they serve. Tarrant County is fortunate to have such dedicated law enforcement professionals in the Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Tipton’s close call underscores the tremendous sacrifices made by deputies and other members of law enforcement who risk their lives for the greater good. These officers are on the front lines every day. While Tipton was fortunate not to suffer more severe injuries, his experience is a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by those who serve in law enforcement, and how we must continue to support and appreciate their tireless efforts. Resolution Supporting the Establishment of a State Funded Mental Health Facility for Tarrant County Residents On December 3, 2024, the Commissioners Court unanimously passed a resolution in support of a state-funded mental health facility for Tarrant County residents. There are nine state funded hospitals in Texas, but none are in Tarrant County. The nearest facility is in Wichita Falls. The resolution included a request to build a new facility in Tarrant County, expanding an existing facility and allocating beds for Tarrant County residents, or state funds towards a partnership with a private hospital to serve the residents of Tarrant County. Currently, the Tarrant County Jail has been acting as a de facto mental health facility. With the continued population growth in our county, the jail has experienced capacity issues. The resolution aims to avoid a costly jail expansion that would be necessary to accommodate the growing number of individuals with mental health issues that end up in our jail. In 2023, around 5,200 individuals experiencing a mental health crisis navigated our civil court system. Many of these individuals are temporarily placed in JPS Hospital, with requests for transfer to the North Texas State Hospital. However, transfers to the North Texas State Hospital are extremely rare. On a daily basis, Tarrant County sees an average of 331 inmates awaiting competency restoration in our jail. Establishing a state-funded facility in Tarrant County or providing clear access for residents to an appropriate state mental healthcare facility would be much more cost-effective and humane than managing these individuals within the jail system.  Addressing mental health challenges is not only a local concern but a statewide priority. Collaboration between state and county leaders is vital to ensure sufficient resources and legislative support to meet the demand for these critical services in Tarrant County. Cindy Ramsey Center staff and volunteers pictured with Judge O'Hare Faith, Food, and Hope: The Transformative Work of the Cindy Ramsey Center As the largest food distributor in Tarrant County outside of the Tarrant Area Food Bank, the Cindy Ramsey Center (CRC) plays a pivotal role in supporting hundreds of local families with essential food assistance. I had the pleasure of visiting the Center in North Fort Worth to learn more about the incredible work they are doing for the community. The Center’s mission is simple yet powerful: to provide a place where families facing hardship can access nutritious food and find support toward a brighter tomorrow. As a Christian ministry, they demonstrate their faith through practical action, showing love and compassion to those in need. Through its Indoor Market, the Center serves pre-qualified families with a variety of food items. Additionally, the Saturday Mobile Market makes it easy for neighbors to drive in and receive the help they need quickly and efficiently. The Cindy Ramsey Center's relief efforts began in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, driven by a deep sense of compassion and the call to assist those in South Texas devastated by the storm. The Relief Team sprang into action, sending volunteers and resources to aid in the cleanup and home restoration for families displaced by the disaster. Over time, these efforts have expanded beyond South Texas, reaching into North Texas to support local communities. By providing crucial home repair and construction services that families cannot afford, the Center is helping them regain stability and focuses on improving their lives through employment and education. This local effort has grown into a broader mission of hope, providing essential support where it’s needed most. This past year, the CRC’s Mega Mobile Drive-Thru Pantry successfully filled over 15,000 trunks with food, while the Client Choice Shopping Pantry distributed more than 2,100 shopping carts of food to those in need. The Apartment Assist program serves both senior and multi-family complexes. They also offer dedicated crisis counseling, helping individuals navigate tough situations. Their Back 2 School Bash provides hundreds of backpacks and school supplies to local kids, ensuring students have the supplies they need. Finally, their Christmas Serve initiative brings joy to hundreds of kids annually, providing children with gifts during the holiday season.  During our tour, I had the chance to visit with dedicated volunteers and staff and learn about the vital difference this organization makes in the lives of those they serve. Beyond just meeting basic needs, the Center gives families a sense of hope, showing that they are supported by their neighbors and the community at large. Judge O’Hare’s Christmas Open House: A Festive Celebration Judge O'Hare pictured with several nonprofit organizations attending the Christmas Open House This past week, I had the honor of hosting our 2nd Annual Christmas Open House at the Tarrant County Administration Building. It was a time of connection and fellowship. We welcomed the Christmas spirit as county employees, partners, and local businesses joined in the festivities. Visitors were also welcomed by the scenes of those who participated in our Christmas decorating contest, where various county departments competed to show off their creativity. The Tarrant County Administration Building was beautifully transformed with festive décor, and it was a sight to behold! From sparkling lights to cheerful displays, the competition was fierce, and it was clear that everyone had a great time cheering up their county offices. The Auditor’s Office took first place with their Whoville theme. In second place was the Budget and Risk Management Office, who created a Gingerbread Bakery, and in third place was the Administration Office with their theme – The Admin Express: A Christmas Movie Station. Thank you to all of the Tarrant County employees who got creative and spread the joy of Christmas throughout the building. I am incredibly grateful for the hard work and dedication of all the county employees and partners who make Tarrant County such a wonderful place to live and work. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us. It was a joy to see so many familiar faces, and I look forward to more opportunities to come together in the future. As we close out the year and celebrate the magic of the Christmas season, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. As we observe the gift of Christ’s birth, filling our hearts with peace and joy, may your homes be filled with love and warmth. Wishing you all a season of happiness and a New Year full of abundant blessings! With gratitude, STAY CONNECTED Tarrant County | 100 E. Weatherford Street, Suite 501 | Fort Worth, TX 76196-0101 US Unsubscribe | Constant Contact Data Notice