Proposed County Budget Comes in At $36 Million

Fayette County released its proposed budget last week. The Commissioners Court voted unanimously to approve the proposed budget at a meeting last Thursday, Aug. 15.

Total expenses in the budget came in at just over $36 million. The general fund, which covers most county services such as EMS, law enforcement, and the courts, makes up the bulk of that amount, about $26.96 million. The four road and bridge departments plan to spend a combined $8.08 million next year.

Among the bigger-ticket items in next year’s budget is a five percent raise for all county employees. The raise is expected to cost the County $737,041.11. The County will also purchase new radios for law enforcement and the jail at a cost of just under $300,000.

Commissioners also approved funding for an assistant position for the Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) office in Fayette County. DPS requested the new position so that the office could process drivers license renewals and address changes. The nearest DPS drivers license offices are in Bastrop and Columbus, and they are so busy that appointments often have to be made weeks in advance.

Commissioners debated over whether to fund the position at a workshop meeting on Aug. 8.

“It bothers me that the state refuses to pay for anything,” said Pct. 4 Commissioner Drew Brossmann.

“Here’s the thing, though, there is money generated by DPS,” said Pct. 1 Commissioner Jason McBroom. “They write tickets, they seize vehicles.”

The County receives a portion of the revenue generated from traffic tickets issued by DPS troopers. The vehicles they seize are handed over to the County and sold at auction.

“There’s a lot of money that comes in,” McBroom said.

The new DPS office employee would also assist troopers in processing paperwork, allowing them to spend more time on patrol.

“What are the odds of them actually putting a drivers license renewal place down here?” asked Pct. 2 Commissioner Luke Sternadel.

“If we don’t get a person over there, our odds are zero,” said Pct. 3 Commissioner Harvey Berckenhoff.

“If we get them somebody, they’ll get it, but it will just be a renewal and address change,” McBroom said. “Once you do that, you open up the door if they’re busy enough.”

The Court ultimately decided to fund the new DPS position at a cost of about $42,000 for salary and benefits.

The County expects to end this budget year with a fund balance of $3.9 million. Commissioners decided to transfer about $2.9 million to the contingency fund next year.

The County set up the contingency fund as an emergency reserve several years ago during the administration of former County Judge Joe Weber. It currently sits at about $635,000. The $2.9 million injection will leave the County with a healthy stockpile of money if sudden needs ever arise.

The budget is now available for public inspection at the County Clerk’s Office and online at the County’s website, www.co.fayette.tx.us.

The Court set the tax rate for next year’s budget at $0.41189 per $100 of taxable value.

That’s the highest rate the Court could have set the rate without triggering a tax rate election. It’s a slight decrease from the current rate of $0.41196. However, due to rising property values, it will increase the County’s revenue by $2,258,234, amounting to a 11.015 percent tax increase.

The County will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget on Aug. 29 at 9 a.m. A public hearing on the proposed tax rate will take place on Sept. 12 at 9 a.m.