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FaCoTx Com Court 9/28/2023 - 2022 Audit Presented, Fund Balance Discussed

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 res...

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 c...

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 th...

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 commentar...

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 fo...

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 wa...

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...

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 gover...

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 t...

What a great meeting!  With 27 items on the agenda, I expected a longer one, but we ended at an hour and 37 minutes.  There was a lot of great discussion today on several items.  The EMS and Grant reports were both informative and the recycling center was a hot topic today.  They even recognized that there are too many strings attached to some grants, rejecting one, and that relying on money from...

Wow, what a surprise!  I went to the Fayette County Republican Party Quarterly meeting mostly to see Wes Virdell, the state director for Gun Owners of America, but we were also blessed to welcome Stephen Willeford, the hero of the Sutherland Springs shooting.  When a crazy man went into a church is Sutherland Springs and began shooting, Stephen grabbed his firearm, engaged the shooter and ended th...

Commissioners Court was brief again today and the hot topic was certainly the TAC presentation of the 2024 employee benefits renewal plans and rates.  With 73 minutes and  21 agenda items, the routine was interrupted with minimal discussion related to subdivisions, the hazard mitigation grant and a survey of donated real estate.  Did you know the County carries an insurance policy for employee the...

Sorry, no report once again.  Even I have to work from time to time.

Noise, EMS, Audit Controversy, no report again this week.

On the noise nuisance and the outdated subdivision regulations.

It was another fairly routine and brief meeting, but there was lengthy continued discussion related to the noise nuisance in Precinct #2 that has been reported on.  Several member of the public spoke and they were well prepared. My heart breaks for them, we should do something to help.  There was further discussion on Fayette School Lands and hunters, a new County Bank Depository and fuel is still...

Some days are more routine than others and it’s more about what you learn before and after Court :wink:  We covered 33 items in 80 minutes, here are some highlights: Rodney Read is unhappy about an accident report & Deborah Frank delivers more fabulous St. Mark’s comments; EMS employees Melody McCoy and Patty Nelson are recognized; subdivision regulations to be discussed at workshop; EMS gives Sta...

St. Mark’s is front and center again with more public questions and comments.  Thank you, Deborah & Eugene, for your participation.  The Airport had some businesses today and the County appears to have finalized its new r.o.w. maintenance bond policy.  The Sheriff’s Office report mentions human smuggling in Fayette County and EMS gets a drone capable of thermal imaging?  EMS updates us on St. Mark...

This was a brief public hearing to discuss the method of distribution for the Harvey grant funds.

Sorry I have no report yet.  I have to hit the road today but I was sure to capture and post all of the St. Mark's audio before leaving. Don't miss it!

I can think of some spectacular Commissioners Court meetings I have attended and this one is up there.  We had lengthy discussion related to numerous topics, including variances from the platting requirements, minimum lot size restrictions, followed by the hospital closure and its effects on the County budget.  Four EMS employees are recognized for their service.  Also, JP#3 Zapalac responds to qu...

Well, the hearing was about air quality, not roads, flooding, noise, nuisances, decreased quality of life or property values.  So, we asked a couple questions about dust and most of the rest of the meeting was pointless, other than to speak our minds and send a message to developers.  I didn’t even bother to look at the application.  We can’t stop it, but we may have a little recourse.  We’ll have...

There were lengthy public comments today and we had a visitor from House District 85.  The Fayette County recycling program is in the spotlight again as past Director of Keep Texas Beautiful brags on our fabulous program, saying they use it as an example.  Great job Mr. Zapalac!  There were many subdivisions today but one in particular had a reserve strip that we discussed at length.  I think this...