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FaCoTx Com Court 9/20/2023 - It's 4-H Day In Fayette County

There have been no changes to the 2024 budget, and it was adopted today by a 3/2 over the objections of the Court’s two [apparent] fiscal conservatives.  Le sigh…  They increased the property tax rates as much as they could this year (4.7%) and increased spending by 8.9%.  There were many public comments related to increased spending and dwindling fund balances and members of the Court finally responded.  Also, don’t miss my response to being removed from Commissioners Court on 8/24, the comparison of the libertarian, liberal and conservative perspectives, it's Constitution Week in Fayette County and watch a bonus video explanation of tax rates.

It was delightful to see so many pack the AgriLife Extension meeting room for the quarterly meeting.  We had an inspirational speech from the young & refreshing Randan Steinhauser, an update from Representative Kitzman and a little fireworks from candidate Greeson (le sigh).  I give a brief update on the proposed county budget and James Gilliam talks about the Texas Nationalist Movement.  Of course, the highlight was the presentation by special guests, Laura Bartlett (sister of Dr. Richard Bartlett) and Greta Crawford on hospital Covid 19 protocols and how to protect yourself and those you love.  Listen, learn & live!

Wow, what a crowd!  Over 150 people showed up at the Rifle Hall to talk about the future of Round Top.  There was a long list of scheduled speakers as well as public comments.  I attended because I thought it would be an interesting conversation and I was not disappointed.  I learned a lot about Round Top last night.  There is another meeting scheduled for next Wednesday, 9/13 at 6 pm, again at the Rifle Hall.

It was refreshing to see so many in attendance at and participating in the public hearing on the budget today and to hear so many comments.  Nearly all were critical as the sustainability of the increased spending was questioned repeatedly, given uncertain and limited future revenue growth and low fund balances.  Commissioners McBroom and Berckenhoff deliver lengthy statements with great commentary as they defend their positions.

You are all in for a real treat with this one.  Senator Kolkhorst was invited by the Fayette County Republican Women to deliver a legislative update and she was on fire!  Get ready for nearly two hours of passion and information overload as the tireless Senator delivers a fabulous legislative update.  The highlight, of many highlights, is probably the explanation of the tax breaks (which are up for election later this year, Prop 4).  She also touched on mental health, the hospital, abortion, border enforcement, new nuclear technology headed for Seadrift, medical freedom and so much more!  [deep breath]  The crowd was giant and included Rep Stan Kitzman.  We were all treated to a wonderful example of good government, I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Finally, a meeting with some meat in it.  After weeks of mild discussion without debate, the budget finally gets some much needed scrutiny and criticism.  Unfortunately, the response of the Court was not to cut spending (at 9.3%, the largest increase since 2012), but to increase revenue projections to more or less balance the budget.  A lot of things were discussed, but the elephant in the room was clearly the salary contest during the discussion on elected officials’ salaries.  Awkward doesn’t begin to describe it.  In fact, written words can’t do it justice, you must listen to the entire conversation and judge for yourself.

It was another very short meeting at just over an hour.  Beyond the routine, there were three primary topics covered: certified tax rate (with explanation), budget fund balances and deficits (which contained an error on my part) and Senate Bill 22, which will bring new “perpetual” funding from the state for local law enforcement.  The big story?  They are proposing nearly a $1 million deficit and there was no discussion about making any cuts.

Shock & awe is the order of the day!  There were the usual routine matters but don’t miss the budget workshop.  The Sheriff bet 7%, EMS raised it to 9% and the Judge went all in with 10% raises for those two departments (just 5% for the rest).  It’s generous but is it affordable, or good policy?  You be the judge.  The discussion was very pleasant and informative, again, learn about your government.  Remember those sky high property taxes?  The clock is ticking as all decisions will be made in 7 days, on 8/3, so that the proposed budget can be approved on 8/10.

It was a crowded courtroom today with a revolving door for a marathon meeting.  Sam & Diana Wilson, of Hospital Center of Excellence (HCEO), lead off with public comments related to St. Mark’s.  There was interesting discussion related to road bonds, our uniform company and especially the bids for property left over from a property tax sale, but without a doubt, the jewel of this meeting was the budget workshop.  Private orgs requesting community assistance had detailed written and oral presentations, listen & learn about your community.  The smaller county departments followed with their requests, stay up to date.  And the last item?  “That subject”, another 5% pay increase?