Public Hearing Monday On Proposed 2025 County Budget
Fayette County Commissioners Court held a special meeting last Thursday,Aug. 29.
Commissioners were scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposed 2025 County Budget. They deferred the hearing until Sept. 9 due to an error in a public notice that was posted in the newspaper.
One citizen, Joe Jameson, had signed up to speak during the public hearing. County Judge Dan Mueller called on him at the end of the meeting. Jameson advocated for a five percent pay increase for election workers, just as other regular county employees.
“At the last meeting it was stated that most of the people who (work elections) are retired,” Jameson said. “That’s probably true. But there are still some of us who have jobs. If everybody else is getting a five percent raise, I don’t see why not. It’s a miniscule amount. I think the election workers should be included in that.”
“I agree with you totally,” said Pct. 1 Commissioner Jason McBroom. “If you don’t keep up with it, it’s going to get further and further behind.”
In other business, the Court authorized the County Auditor to advertise for two bridge replacement projects in Pct. 2: one on Weyand Rd. over Shaw Creek and another on Roznov Rd. over Clear Creek. Pct. 2 Commissioner Luke Sternadel said the bridges need to be replaced but they are not eligible for assistance through the Texas Department of Transportation.
The Court also approved new policies for the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office and the Constables regarding misconduct allegations, hiring procedures, personnel files and medical and psychological examination of officers. Lt. David Beyer of the Sheriff’s Office said the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) wants all law enforcement agencies in the state to adopt uniform policies in response to some recent state legislation.
Beyer told the Record that the new policies will not greatly affect the way the Sheriff’s Office conducts its business. He said many of the new policies were similar to ones already in place.