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EXCLUSIVE – Today’s 3-hour budget workshop didn’t dismiss until after noon and it didn’t disappoint!  During the community support phase, some area non-profits made presentations for budget requests.  Then the Court turned to departmental budget requests, most notably from the Sheriff’s Office and EMS.  And finally, some general discussion and decision making.  Overall, it was a fruitful, productive and pleasant workshop and we need more discussions like these.  My favorite part was the salary discussion.  There is far too much to report on, but don’t miss this exclusive brief.

Much of today’s 134 minute meeting was routine.  We heard an interesting history lesson related to Revolutionary War Patriot Private Pvt John Sorrell, who will be memorialized on the courthouse square, and discussion related to a mass gathering for a family reunion and trail ride was very informative thanks to our new mass gathering permit process, but the gem of this meeting was undoubtedly the fantastic 67-minute budget workshop covering a diverse range of policy topics, including salaries.  The next big meeting is 9 am on the 30th.  We have a lengthy report for you today, covering policy, the history and background of the salary contest, don’t miss it.

Today’s 83-minute meeting had some substantive and consequential discussion.  The top items were the elections reports (major changes and new equipment), a $700k request for new body and in-car cameras for the Sheriff’s Office and budget season slowly rumbles to life.  Not much has been revealed publicly yet but the salary contest simmers behind the scenes and shows signs of boiling.  Other informative discussions were held related to grants, recycling center fees and Meadows building bathroom upgrades.  Read my full report and listen to what can’t be reported.

In today’s 45-minute meeting, the court chooses a employee health benefits option.  In short, the deductibles for both plans will now be $2,500, the employee’s share of the cost will increase a little and the county will realize about $200,000 in savings.  In other news, a local disaster was declared over “illegal immigration, human trafficking and drug smuggling” (related to Texas’ Operation Lone Star initiative and grant funding) and the elections administrator gave us a summary of new election laws and how they will affect our elections.  See my full report and hear it all right here.

The Court discussed the county employee benefits package renewal for another 83 minutes today and are homing in on their preferred adjustments for the new enrollment period.  In short, the Court plans to shift some of the cost burden to employees and change the balance of benefits between the existing HRA and PPO plans.  The final decision will be made at the regular meeting on 6/26.  In my nearly four years of covering the Court, I don’t recall witnessing a more thorough discussion and I commend the Court for their efforts to reduce costs while maintaining an excellent package of benefits for county employees.

At 2 hours and 14 minutes, this meeting is one of the longest of the current administration.  Rarely are items discussed as long as the TAC employee benefits package renewal was discussed.  With an above average loss ratio of 149% and renewal premium increase of 9.7%, the county is looking for ways to save money by adjusting the employee health benefits plan design.  A special meeting has been called for Monday the 16th at 10 am to continue the discussion.  In other news, retiring 30+ year EMS employee Patty Nelson was recognized for her outstanding service, Fayette Savings Bank presented new interest rates for the next two years and budget amendments were presented apparently indicating a substantial $2.5 million surplus for the 2024 budget year.

There was not much to today’s brief 36-minute Commissioners Court meeting. Emancipation Day was proclaimed in Fayette County and Verlia Mosely Rhodes invites everyone to participate in their Juneteenth Celebration on the courthouse square featuring a zydeco band from Houston.  In other news, there is an EMS report, a grants report, and the Sheriff requested a new compliance officer position to help fulfill freedom of information requests and manage other compliance matters.  Hear it all right here...

The Fayette County Republican Women put on a fantastic program at their monthly meeting today.  Thank you, ladies, for your tireless service!  I think Don Huffines would be an excellent choice for State Comptroller, listen to his passionate plan to DOGE Texas.  Also, Lt. Col. Dennis “Goose” Geesaman announced his candidacy for House District 85.  As an actual conservative, I think he would make a great replacement for the RINO currently holding that office.  Both candidates deliver comments and answer questions, listen to what can’t be reported, or won’t be, right here...

Today’s 57 minute meeting was distinguished by celebrations and recognitions.  EMS Week and National Correctional Officer Week were proclaimed, a Certificate of Recognition or the Recycling Center was acknowledged and Amber Hielscher was promoted to Department Head of the Septic & Permitting Department, replacing new Commissioner, Clint Sternadel.  In other news, a cooperative agreement was signed with the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service, the subdivision regulations were modified slightly, the new mass gathering permit ordinance was approved and so was the interlocal agreement regarding street maintenance with the City of Ellinger.  Hear it all right here...

It was another routine 40 minute meeting today.  The Court deferred action on a burn ban (refusing to enact one), discussed an illegal subdivision and approved the mass gathering permit ordinance that was first introduced and discussed at the last meeting.  Once again, the highlight was the recognition of Commissioner Luke Sternadel’s service to the county in his last meeting, and a presentation of a certificate of appreciation.  Hear it all right here...