Editor’s note: Michael Hibblen is the author of this report.

A 1% sales and use tax was approved by Dallas County voters Tuesday (Nov. 3), which will provide an estimated $1.2 million annually for road improvements, law enforcement, ambulance services and solid waste operations.

With all nine precincts reporting, 2,051 voters, or 60.8%, supported the proposal, while 1,321 voters, or 39.2%, opposed it. A total of 3,372 votes were cast on the measure, according to unofficial election results.

The new tax will increase the existing county sales tax rate from 2% to 3%, in addition to applicable state and municipal sales taxes. It is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Under the measure, 70% of the net revenue will be dedicated to county roads, while the remaining 30% will support law enforcement, ambulance services or solid waste operations.

The Dallas County Quorum Court will determine how to allocate the 30% among those services based on county needs.

County officials estimated the tax would generate approximately $1.2 million annually, although actual collections will depend on taxable sales within the county.

The proposal was placed on the ballot after the Dallas County Quorum Court voted July 28 to refer the measure to voters.

County officials cited rising costs for equipment, fuel, materials, maintenance and personnel as reasons additional revenue was needed.