[1. CALL TO ORDER]
[00:00:08]
>> WE ARE STILL WAITING ON ONE COMMISSIONER BUT GO AHEAD AND START. IF I CAN ASK EVERYONE TO PLEASE RISE FOR THE INN VOCATION AND PLEDGES.
WE HAVE NATE SIMMONS FROM BAPTIST CHURCH, CHURCH HERE TO DO THE INN VOCATION TODAY. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.
>> PRAYER. GOD, WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR GOODNESS, YOUR LOVE AND YOUR MERCY LORD, WE COME BEFORE YOU THIS MORNING GRATEFUL FOR THIS PRIVILEGE OF LIVING IN A COMMUNITY WHERE WE CAN GATHER AND SERVE.
SEEK THE GOOD OF OUR NEIGHBOURS. LORD WE KNOW IN YOUR WORD IT TELLS US IF WE LACK WISDOM SHOULD ASK OF YOU, WE ASK FOR YOUR WISDOM, FATHER, GOD, WE GIVE ASK FOR THESE COMMISSIONERS AND WHO SERVE OUR COUNTY WISDOM PRAY THAT YOU GIVE THE WISDOM THAT THEY NEED THAT GOES BEYOND PERSONAL PREFERENCE, POLITICAL PRESSURE OR IMMEDIATE CIRCUMSTANCES.
GIVE DISCERNMENT TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT AND HUMILITY TO REMEMBER THAT LEADERSHIP IS ULTIMATELY AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE.
WE ASK THAT YOU BLESS THESE MEN AND WOMEN WHO WORK THROUGHOUT OUR COUNTY PROTECT OUR LAW ENFORCEMENTS, FIRST RESPONDERS AND ALL THOSE WHO SERVE OUR CITIZENS EACH AND EVERY DAY.
FATHER, DECISIONS MADE TODAY HELP US REMEMBER BEHIND EVERY BUDGET AND POLICY AND AGENDA ITEM THAT ARE REAL PEOPLE, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES. LORD WE PRAY THAT AS BUDGETS ARE LOOKED OVER DISCERNMENT IS MADE, GOOD DECISIONS ARE MADE, THEIR WISDOM IS USED IN MAKING THOSE DECISIONS AND WISDOM THAT BECOMES BEYOND OUR OWN ABILITIES BUT DIRECTLY FROM YOU.
WE PRAY THAT EVERYTHING BE MARKED BY INTEGRITY, WISDOM, JUSTICE AND GENUINE DESIRE FOR THE GOOD OF THE PEOPLE WE SERVE AND ABOVE ALL MAY WE RECOGNIZE THAT EVERY AUTHORITY WE POSSESS IS ULTIMATELY UNDER YOUR AUTHORITY.
WE ASK FOR YOUR BLESSINGS AND GUIDANCE OVER THIS MEETING.
IN CHRIST JESUS NAME I PRAY, AMEN.
I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
HONOR THE TEXAS FLAG; I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THEE, TEXAS, ONE STATE UNDER GOD, ONE AND INDIVISIBLE.
>> THANK YOU. YOU MAY BE SEATED.
ASK EVERYONE TO PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR PHONES ARE ON SILENT.
IT IS WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 9TH, 2026 WE HAVE ALL COMMISSIONERS AND COUNTY JUDGE HERE.
THE LOCATION OF THE MEETING IS 901 LEOPARD IN THE COMMISSIONERS COURTROOM. A QUORUM IS HERE.
9:12 AND I CALL THIS MEETING TO ORDER.
ITEM D ANY ANNOUNCEMENT DISCLOSURE CONFLICTS OF
[1. The Commissioners Court will conduct a public hearing on the proposed 2026-2027 Nueces County Hospital District budget.]
INTEREST? HEARING NONE, MOVING ON TO ITEM E, I'M GOING TO OPEN FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING SUPPOSED TO BE AT 9, IT'S 9:13 SO WE ARE OPENING FOR THAT PUBLIC HEARING.COMMISSIONERS COURT WILL CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED 2026/27 NUECES COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT BUDGET FIRST.
IS THERE ANYONE HERE THAT WISHES TO SPEAK ON THAT.
DO YOU WANT TO PRESENT THE BUDGET NOW OR ARE YOU GOING TO PRESENT BOTH -- YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT THEM NOW.
JOHNNY IS GOING TO DO THEIRS, YES, OKAY.
>> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.
VERY BRIEFLY, I HAVE A PRESENTATION I THINK CONNIE IS SPOOLING IT UP BUT LET ME JUST GIVE YOU AN OVERALL OF THE BUDGET BEFORE WE GO THROUGH IT. THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT BUDGET IS GOING TO USE RESERVE THIS IS YEAR TO COVER THE DEFICIT WE HAVE IN OUR GENERAL FUND, GENERAL FUND HAD A BALANCE, A POSITIVE BALANCE LAST YEAR AND WE ARE GOING TO USE THAT TO CARRY OVER. THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT'S BUDGET PROVIDES FOR CARE OF STATUTORY AND CONSTITUTIONAL OBLIGATION.
[00:05:01]
IT COVERS MANY OTHER THINGS INCLUDING FUNDING FOR THE CITY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, EMS, JAIL HEALTHCARE, NUMERABLE THINGS THAT WE HAVE COVERED IN THE PAST.AND THE BUDGET DOES CONTINUE OUR SUPPORT OF GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION. THE EMERGENCY MEDICINE RESIDENCY PROGRAM THAT SPAWNED THIS YEAR AND ALLOCATED AN ADDITIONAL IN THE BUDGET THAT THE BOARD APPROVED AN ADDITIONAL 1.3 MILLION TO GO INTO GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION NEXT YEAR TO ADDRESS NEEDS THAT ARE IN THE COMMUNITY IN TERMS OF MEDICAL SPECIALTIES. WE HAD CONDUCTED A STUDY AS A PART OF OUR AGREEMENT WITH SPAWN TO IDENTIFY MEDICAL SPECIALTIES THAT WERE NEEDED IN THE COMMUNITY, AND THIS INITIAL 1.3 MILLION IS INTENDED TO BE ONGOING MONEY IN LATER YEARS TO ADDRESS THOSE SPECIALTIES. TODAY I CAN'T TELL YOU EXACTLY WHAT THEY ARE YET THAT WE ARE GOING TO ADDRESS, BUT WE'RE WORKING WITH BOTH THE HEALTH SYSTEM AND HCA TO ADDRESS WHAT THOSE FUNDS WOULD BE DIRECTED TO IN TERMS OF TRAINING.
AND SO THAT WOULD PROBABLY BE THE BIGGEST BUDGET CHANGE THAT WE HAVE. OUR REVENUE THAT WE SHARE WITH SPAWN HAS GONE DOWN A BIT AND WHY WE ARE COVERING THE DEBT FROM THE GENERAL FUND RESERVES THAT WE HAD LAST YEAR.
SO I HAVE A PRESENTATION BUT SAVE YOU THE STEPS OF GOING THROUGH ALL OF IT. BUT THOSE ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF
>> DO WE HAVE A COPY OF THAT BUDGET? DO WE HAVE A COPY OF YOUR BUDGET, JOHN?
>> WE GOT ONE WHEN THEY FIRST VOTED ON IT, YES.
THE FIRST TIME, YEAH. >> I DON'T THINK I EVER GOT A
COPY. >> I WILL E-MAIL IT TO YOU, COMMISSIONER, I HAVE IT IN MY HAND.
I APOLOGIZE I THOUGHT THAT WAS IN YOUR PACKET.
>> (INAUDIBLE). >> I WILL SEND TO ALL OF YOU
ALL. >> WASN'T IT E-MAILED AROUND EARLIER WHEN YOU SENT IT TO US. WAS THAT NOT SHARED?
>> I THOUGHT SO. NORMALLY WE SEND THOSE AHEAD OF TIME AND WE HAD SORT OF A DISCUSSION LATE LAST WEEK ABOUT ALL OF THAT, AND SO I APOLOGIZE. BUT THAT'S THE HIGHLIGHT OF OUR BUDGET, AND I WILL GET IT TO YOU RIGHT NOW.
>> IT'S INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKET, SIR UNDER 5 B.
>> THE AGENDA PACKET. >> APPROVED BUDGET.
>> THANK YOU, CONSTANCE. >> WHERE IS THAT NOW?
WAS IT ATTACHED TO -- >> DOES THAT SAYS BUDGET.
>> SAYS BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING, IF I CLICK ON IT IT'S BRINGING UP A POWER POINT PRESENTATION, IS THAT THEIR SUBMITTED BUDGET.
>> GO TO THE REGULAR AGENDA. IT'S FURTHER DOWN IN THE AGENDA.
>> COMMISSIONER, IT'S PROBABLY IN A COUPLE OF PLACES.
IN THE POWER POINT I DIDN'T GO THROUGH THE DETAIL BUT THE LAST PAGE OF THAT POWER POINT HAS BUDGET FOR ALL THE DISTRICTS FUNDS IN IT. AND I CAN CERTAINLY COME BACK
AND ANSWER QUESTIONS. >> I THINK THE REASON FOR THIS, IT'S IN OUR PACKETS, BUT THIS IS ON THE TAX RATE AND WHEN WE DO THE BUDGET, THAT'S BEHIND THAT IN OUR PACKETS IS THE CONFUSION HERE. YES.
>> YES, MA'AM. >> IT'S IN YOUR DOCUMENTATION.
IT'S IN YOUR PAPERWORK, YES. >> IF IT WAS EVER SENT AS AN E-MAIL, JOHNNY, I MAY HAVE RECEIVED IT, BUT --
>> I APOLOGIZE, COMMISSIONER, WE TRIED TO MAKE SURE IT WAS IN THE
PACKET. >> I ALWAYS PREFER IN THE HARD COPY BECAUSE I THINK CURRENTLY NOW I HAVE LIKE 850 E-MAILS IN
WE'LL MAKE SURE WE DO THAT. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.
JUDGE, THAT'S ALL I HAVE. I'M AVAILABLE FOR QUESTIONS.
>> ARE THERE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?
NO. >> WOULD LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION SPECIALTIES THAT YOU ARE GOING TO GO INTO, THAT YOUR BOARD IS GOING TO HELP FUND.
MAYBE IN A DATE NOT TOO FAR FROM NOW WE CAN GET AN UPDATE WHEN YOU GET A BETTER IDEA ON WHAT YOU PLAN ON SUPPORTING.
>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. APPRECIATE THAT.
WE DID JUST PUT MONEY IN THE BUDGET TO HAVE SOME IN THERE TO
[00:10:01]
GET STARTED, AND I SHARED THAT WITH THE BOARD.WE CERTAINLY DO PLAN TO COME BACK AND SHARE WITH YOU ALL AFTER WE HAVE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE HOSPITAL WHAT -- HOSPITALS THAT WE WOULD BE LOOKING AT, USING THOSE FUNDS FOR AND THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME BACK AND TALK TO YOU ALL ABOUT
THAT. >> ESPECIALLY SINCE YOU KNOW THE JUDGE SELECTED COMMITTEE TO HELP TO BE A PART OF BRIDGING THE COMMUNITY, MEDICAL COMMUNITY, AND SPAWN TOGETHER FOR OUR FIRST ROUND. AND SO DEFINITELY WOULD LIKE TO BE THERE TO BE ABLE TO GIVE SOME INSIGHT OR JUST LISTEN TO WHAT
YOU ALL HAVE TO OFFER. >> THANK YOU.
WE APPRECIATE THE COMMITTEE'S WORK, AND IT'S CERTAINLY THAT WORK IS THE BASIS FOR US HAVING ADDITIONAL FUNDS IN OUR BUDGET.
>> JUDGE, CAN I JUMP IN. >> ONE MORE SECOND.
>> I WANTED TO DOVETAIL WHAT COMMISSIONER WAS SAYING I COULDN'T AGREE MORE AND APPRECIATE YOU DOING THAT AND IT WOULD BE MAYBE AN ADVANTAGE IF WE HAD THAT OPPORTUNITY TO DO THAT THROUGH THE COMMITTEE, AND YOU KNOW BEFORE YOU GOT TOO FAR DOWN THE ROAD SO WE HAD A LITTLE INPUT.
I WOULD LOVE TO SEE SOME MONEY FOR FELLOWSHIPS -- NO, NO, SORRY. NOT SAYING THIS RIGHT.
>> THAT IS ONE ROUTE, YES. >> WHERE THEY WORK INDIVIDUALLY.
I KNOW SOMETIMES -- THERE IS A LOT OF MONEY THAT GOES INTO THAT. I WAS TALKING TO ONE OF MY HEART DOCTORS THE OTHER DAY AND THAT'S EXPENSIVE FOR THESE DOCTORS TO BRING IN THESE FOLKS THAT ARE TRAINED, BUT IF THERE IS SPECIFICITY INVOLVED, WE ARE HAVING HARD TIME GETTING RETINAL SPECIALISTS, HARD TIME GETTING HEART SPECIALISTS, WE ARE HAVING A HARD TIME, MAYBE NOT JUST GRADUATE NOT LIKE WE ARE DOING THE RESIDENCY NOW MAYBE MORE TOWARDS A FELLOWSHIP.
LOVE TO BE INVOLVED IN THOSE CONVERSATIONS AT SOME POINT.
NOT TRYING TO MICROMANAGE WHAT YOU ARE DOING BUT I HEARD A LOT BECAUSE WE HAD THAT COMMITTEE AND GOTTEN A LOT OF INPUT ON THE DIFFERENT THINGS. GLAD THAT YOU ARE ALL DOING THAT. LOVE TO HAVE SOME CONVERSATIONS ON THE FRONT END BEFORE YOU GET TOO FAR DOWN THE PATH.
THAT'S A GOOD AMOUNT OF MONEY BUT IT'S NOT GOING TO GO SUPER FAR IF WE DON'T WATCH HOW YOU DO IT.
I REALLY APPRECIATE YOU ALL DOING THAT AND I HOPE THIS WILL HELP THIS COMMUNITY. BUT WE NEED TO SPEND MONEY LASER FOCUSED ON SOME OF THESE SPECIALTIES THAT WE CAN'T GET HERE AND WE GOT TO HAVE THOSE MEDICAL PROVIDERS FOR THIS COMMUNITY. IT'S JUST REALLY -- ESPECIALLY WITH THE AGING COMMUNITY THAT WE HAVE, AND SO FORTH, THANK YOU FOR DOING THAT AND THANK THE BOARD FOR DOING THAT AND PLEASE
KEEP US INFORMED ON THAT. >> COMMISSIONER, JUST SO YOU KNOW THE INITIAL DISCUSSIONS IN THE BACKGROUND HAVE FOCUSED ON FELLOWSHIPS AND NEEDED ONES THAT ARE IN THE COMMUNITY.
OUR INTENT TO COME BACK TO THE COURT, THE COMMITTEE WORK THROUGH EVERYBODY SO WE KIND OF KNOW WHAT'S OUT THERE.
I DID WANT TO EMPHASIZE THAT THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT'S ROLE IS TO PUT THE FUNDING INTO THEY SAY FELLOWSHIPS WITH THE EXPECTATION THAT THE FELLOW -- THAT THE PHYSICIANS WHO RECEIVED THE FELLOWSHIP TRAINING AND FUNDING THROUGH THE DISTRICT WILL STAY IN COMMUNITY FOR A PERIOD OF TIME.
>> ABSOLUTELY. >> THE TRAINING IS PART OF IT.
IT'S REALLY JUST SORT OF THE INITIAL STEP TO GET THEM INTO THE COMMUNITY BUT IT'S OUR INTENT TO WORK OUT ARRANGEMENTS WHERE IF THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT PROVIDES FUNDING THROUGH THESE THINGS THAT THERE IS A TETHER TO THE COMMUNITY AFTERWARDS.
AND THOSE ARE SOME OF THE DETAILS WE'RE WORKING THROUGH.
>> I THINK THAT'S SUPER IMPORTANT BECAUSE -- AND I THINK WHAT WE HAVE HEARD FROM THESE ER AND FAMILY RESIDENTS, THEY LIKE IT WHEN THEY GET HERE. NOT ALL OF THEM STAY.
BUT IF YOU GET A THIRD OR A FOURTH TO STAY BE, THEY WOULDN'T HAVE STAYED, THEY COME HERE, THEY LOVE THE COMMUNITY, LOVE BEING HERE, DON'T REALIZE HOW NICE THE COMMUNITY IS, HOW FAR THEIR DOLLAR GOES UNTIL THEY GET HERE AND THEN GO THIS IS PRETTY COOL. TO BRING THOSE FOLKS IN IS THE BEST RECRUITMENT I THINK WE COULD POSSIBLY DO.
I APPRECIATE THAT TETHER, AS YOU CALL IT, THAT'S A GREAT IDEA, THANK YOU. THANK YOU, JUDGE.
>> ANYBODY ELSE. YES, GO AHEAD.
>> JOHNNY, WHAT'S YOUR FUND BALANCE, ENDING FUND BALANCE
GOING TO BE FOR THE YEAR? >> COMMISSIONER, IF YOU TAKE ALL THE FUNDS THAT WE HAVE, ALL FOUR FUNDS TOGETHER, IT'S GOING TO BE ABOUT 125 MILLION, ABOUT HALF OF THAT OR A LITTLE OVER IS EARMARKED F FOR INDIGENTCARE, CARRIES OVER REGARDING PAYMENTS DUE TO THE STATE UNDER THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL TRANSFER PROGRAM. THE DISTRICT HAS A HEALTHY FUND BALANCE. RECALL, WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE NUMBERS THAT BIG CHUNKS OF THAT MONEY HAS WHITE PICKET FENCES AROUND IT IN TERMS OF WHAT IT CAN BE USED FOR.
[00:15:01]
>> UNDERSTOOD. WELL, IN LOOKING AT HISTORY OF YOUR TAX RATE AND WE ALL APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT TAX RATE HAS GONE DOWN, BUT I SOMETIMES GET A LITTLE CONCERNED IF WE HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD, YOUR ABILITY TO RECOVER FROM THAT BASED ON THE WAY THE NEW TAX LAWS AND STRUCTURES ARE
TODAY. >> COMMISSIONER, THAT IS AN ITEM THAT WE ARE VERY VIGILANT ABOUT IN TRYING TO WATCH THAT.
SO WE HAVE BEEN ABLE SO FAR TO MAINTAIN A BALANCE OF DOING THE THINGS THAT THE DISTRICT NEEDS TO BE DOING, DOING THE THINGS THAT BENEFIT COUNTY HEALTHCARE EXPENDITURES WHILE ALSO AT THE SAME TIME MANAGING THE MONEY SIDE OF THINGS.
AND SO OUR BUDGET, YOU MAY RECALL, IS ABOUT 60% OF IT IS NONTAX FUNDS. IT COMES FROM OUR ARRANGEMENT WITH SPAWN. I BELIEVE IF THAT EVER GETS INTERRUPTED IN A MAJOR KIND OF WAY, THEN IT'S GOING TO PUT SOME STRAIN ON THE REST OF OUR BUDGET.
WE CAN PROBABLY SURVIVE A BUMP IN THE ROAD, COMMISSIONER, FOR MAYBE TWO TO THREE YEARS, BUT AT SOME POINT WE WOULD HAVE TO COME BACK, DEPENDING ON WHAT OUR OUTLAYS ARE AT THAT POINT IN TIME. BUT I APPRECIATE YOUR CONCERN.
WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BALANCE IT SO FAR.
>> OKAY. >> YEAH, THAT'S MY CONCERN.
IF SOMETHING HAPPENED WITH OUR AGREEMENT WITH SPAWN, I REMEMBER BACK 2010, 2011 YOU WERE IN HERE TELLING US IF WE DIDN'T DO SOMETHING, THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT WOULD BE INSOLVENT BY 2014.
>> YES, SIR. >> WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T
GET TO IT THAT POINT AGAIN. >> YES, SIR.
OVER THE YEARS WE HAVE TAKEN ON A LOT OF ADDITIONAL FUNDING
>> WHEN YOU SIT DOWN, TRY TO SORT THROUGH THEM AND SEE WHAT'S NEEDED AND WHAT'S NOT, I WILL BE HONEST WITH YOU ABOUT 95% OF THEM ARE NEEDED. THINGS THAT YOU REALLY CAN'T BACK AWAY FROM. SO THAT WOULD NECESSITATE IF OUR NON-TAX MONEY FUND GETS IMPEDED THEN WE WOULD NEED TO TALK ABOUT THAT. BUT THAT'S ALWAYS IN THE BACK OF OUR MIND, COMMISSIONER, AND I APPRECIATE YOU KEEPING IT IN YOUR MIND TOO. SO FAR WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO
OKAY. >> OKAY, ALL RIGHT, THANK YOU.
>> ONE LAST QUESTION FROM ME, DID YOU ALL HAVE AN AMENDMENT, DID YOU DO THAT AMENDMENT THAT WE TALKED ABOUT --
>> JUDGE, WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO -- WHAT WE NEED TO DO IS GO AHEAD AND PASS THE BUDGET IF YOU ARE AMENABLE BECAUSE THAT'S THE ONE THAT THE BOARD APPROVED. OUR INTENT TO TRANSFER MONEY WITHIN FUNDS AFTER YOU APPROVE --
>> DIDN'T SEE IT ON THIS -- >> THAT REQUEST.
IF WE NEED TO COME BACK TO APPROVE THE REVISION WE'LL.
IT'S OUR INTENT AND LIKE YOU TO GO AHEAD WITH THE BUDGET AND WE HAVE OUR NEXT BOARD MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 22ND FOR US TO GO AHEAD AND JUST DO AN AMENDMENT TO THE BUDGET TO MOVE FUNDS WITHIN THE BUDGET SO THAT OUR OVERALL REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES
STAY THE SAME. >> JUST FOR THE REST OF Y'ALL, 200,000 INCREASE THAT THE CITY COUNTY HEALTH DISTRICT REQUESTED. TO BE FAIR WE MET WITH THEM AND FOR THE THE LAST THREE YEARS THE BUDGET STAYED THE SAME.
UNDERSTAND AN INCREASE PROBABLY NECESSARY FOR THIS.
AND I TALKED TO MR. HIP BEFOREHAND, AND HE FELT THAT WOULD GO BEFORE THEIR BOARD AS WELL.
INFORMATION ASKING ABOUT IT. >> I WOULD JUST ADD THAT YOU SHARED WITH ME THAT THE FUNDING IS TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS COVERAGE IN THE WESTERN PART OF COUNTY FOR PUBLIC HEALTH
THAT WAS THEIR REQUEST, YEAH. >> THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS.
>> THANK YOU, JOHNNY. >> MOVING ON THEN TO ITEM NUMBER 2, THE COMMISSIONERS COURT WILL CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE
PROPOSED 2026-2027 -- >> JUST TO CLARIFY, WHEN YOU SAY WESTERN PART, JOHNNY, CAN YOU COME UP.
>> DON'T SIT DOWN YET, JOHNNY, NOT DONE WITH YOU YET.
>> WHEN YOU SAY THE WESTERN PART ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT THE HEALTH
DEPARTMENT? >> YES, COMMISSIONER.
I PROBABLY SHOULD HAVE BEEN MORE SPECIFIC BUT THE PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS A SET-UP HOURS WITHIN THE BUILDING WITHIN THE PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT SECTION.
>> THAT'S THE MONEY THAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT.
>> YES, SIR. I THINK THEIR OFFICE IS ADJACENT TO (INDISCERNIBLE) THE OFFICE THERE.
>> THAT'S WHAT IT WAS. THAT'S WHAT IT WAS FOR.
AFTER HOURS TIMES BETTER FOR PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY TO COME
>> YEAH. >> THANK YOU, JOHNNY.
WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT WAS THE FUNDS YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT.
[2. The Commissioners Court will conduct a public hearing on the proposed 2026-2027 Nueces County budget.]
>> NOW MOVING ON TO ITEM NUMBER 2.
[00:20:04]
COMMISSIONERS COURT WILL CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED 2026-2027 NUECES COUNTY BUDGET. ARE YOU GOING TO PRESENT THATONE. >> I HAVE A BRIEF POWER POINT PRESENTATION. MANY OF THE SLIDES WE HAVE SEEN BEFORE. BEFORE WE BEGIN I WANT TO LET EVERYBODY KNOW JUST FOR THE RECORD WE HAVE COMPLIED WITH ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE STATE STATUTES WE POSTED IN THE NEWSPAPER, WE ALSO FILED OUR PRELIMINARY BUDGET YESTERDAY WITH THE COUNTY CLERK, AND NOW SINCE WE HAVE A BUDGET OFFICE, WE ALSO HAVE TO FILE WITH THE COUNTY AUDITOR.
WE FILED IN TWO PLACES YESTERDAY.
TODAY WE ARE CONDUCTING THE PUBLIC HEARING AND LATER ON IN THE MEETING WE'LL BE CONSIDERING BUDGET FOR 26/27.
IF WE CAN GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE, JUST VERY HIGH LEVEL.
ITEMS THAT WE ARE GOING TO BE TALKING ABOUT TODAY OR THE PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX RATES, HISTORICAL TAX RATES ALL HAVE SEEN BEFORE, THE REVENUE, THE TAXPAYER IMPACT STATEMENT, REQUIREMENT FOR TAX BILL 1522 FROM LAST YEAR.
SOURCES OF REVENUE AND EXPENSES PROJECTED PROPERTY TAX REVENUE FOR VARIOUS TAX RATES. AND THEN SOME BUDGET PRIORITIES THAT WE CONSIDERED IN THE FISCAL YEAR 26/27 PROPOSED BUDGETS.
NEXT SLIDE PLEASE. THIS ONE YOU HAVE ALL SEEN BEFORE. OUR CURRENT TAX RATE 28.7 CENTS 98 CENTS. NO NEW REVENUE RATE JUST BELOW THAT. OUR VOTER APPROVAL RATE 31.111 CENTS. AND THEN THE PROPOSED BUDGET THAT WE BUILT, THE TAX RATE THAT WE BUILT THE PROPOSED BUDGET ON IS OUR CURRENT TAX RATE 28.9,789 CENTS.
I KNOW IN AUGUST YOU ALL APPROVED THE CEILING OF THE 31 CENTS BUT WE BUILT THIS BUDGET ON OUR CURRENT TAX RATE.
NEXT SLIDE PLEASE. AND THIS YOU HAVE SEEN THIS BEFORE, THIS IS SHOWING OUR 15-YEAR HISTORY OF PROPERTY TAX RATE. SO WE ARE HISTORICALLY LOW AT THE 28.9 CENTS. YOU CAN SEE THAT WE DROPPED TO 24 CENTS A COUPLE OF YEARS BACK, AND THAT WAS DUE TO THE EVALUATIONS AND REFINERIES AND THE DISPUTES.
NOW WE SLOWLY -- ARE SLOWLY RAISING THEM BACK TO A NORMAL LEVEL OF THE 28.9 CENTS. THIS IS THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT'S TAX RATE. TYPICALLY ADOPTING THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE. BEEN PRETTY FLAT AND ADOPTED A RATE. NEXT SLIDE.
THIS ONE IS PROPERTY TAX REVENUE FOR NUECES COUNTY ALL FUNDS.
YOU CAN SEE OUR PROPOSED BUDGET REVENUE 126,372,197.
NEXT SLIDE. AND THIS IS SOME INFORMATION THAT WAS REQUIRED FOR THE FIRST TIME LAST YEAR BECAUSE OF A HOUSE BILL WAS PASSED 1522. THIS SHOWS A COMPARISON OF A TAX BILL FOR THE AVERAGE HOMEOWNER WITH USING THEIR MEDIUM VALUE FROM THIS YEAR TO LAST YEAR. AND YOU CAN SEE THAT IF WE ADOPT THE 31.11 CENTS, THE TAX RATE WOULD BE -- THE TAX BILL WOULD BE 581.18. THE PRIOR YEAR 529.58.
FOR AN INCREASE OF 51.60. IF WE ADOPT THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE IT WOULD BE THAT TO THE RIGHT THERE, IT WOULD BE 536.85 WHICH IS 44.32 HIGHER THAN LAST YEAR'S BILL.
AND THEN THE SAME INFORMATION FOR THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT BELOW.
>> CONSTANCE, EXCUSE ME IF I COULD ASK A QUICK QUESTION.
DO THOSE NUMBERS FACTOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS?
>> YES, SIR, THEY DO. WE HAVE TO APPLY THE TAX RATE ON THE NET VALUE. SO WE TAKE OUT ALL EXEMPTIONS.
OKAY, THIS IS THE SLIDE THAT NOBODY LIKES BUT REQUIRED BY STATE STATUTE. IF WE ADOPT A RATE ANYTHING ABOVE THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE HAVE TO MAKE THIS STATEMENT AND SAYS THIS WILL RAISE MORE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS THAN LAST YEAR'S TAX RATE. IF WE ADOPT THE CURRENT -- OUR CURRENT TAX RATE A LITTLE BIT ABOVE THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE SO WE WOULD HAVE TO SAY THE TAX RATE WILL EFFECTIVELY BE RAISED BY 0.25%, THAT'S NOT 25%, 0.25% AND RAISE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS ON A HOME OF 100,000 OF APPROXIMATELY $5.31.
THAT'S JUST SOMETHING THAT ALL GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES ARE REQUIRED TO MAKE THAT STATEMENT IF THEY APPROVE A RATE THAT'S ABOVE THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE. NEXT SLIDE PLEASE.
AND THIS IS ALWAYS THE FUN SLIDE THAT WE LIKE TO SHOW.
THIS IS WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME FROM.
AND THIS IS OUR REVENUE FROM THE GENERAL FUND.
AND AS YOU CAN SEE, THE MAJORITY 83.4% OF OUR REVENUE COMES FROM PROPERTY TAXES. SO ADOPTING THE PROPERTY TAX RATE IS A BIG DEAL FOR US BECAUSE THAT'S THE MAJORITY OF
[00:25:03]
OUR REVENUE. WE HAVE INVESTMENT INCOME OF ABOUT 2.7%, INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVENUE, 4.2%.MOTOR VEHICLES IS A BIG ONE, 3.8% AND MISCELLANEOUS, SUNDRE, OTHER REFERENCE AS WELL. WHY THE PROPERTY TAX RATE IS SUCH A BIG DEAL FOR US. THE NEXT SLIDE, WHERE DOES OUR MONEY GO? THIS SLIDE TELLS IT ALL, 63.8% GO TOSS PERSONNEL. MAJORITY OF OUR EXPENDITURES.
WE DO HAVE RESERVES. A LITTLE BIT IN CAPITAL OUTLAY.
TRAVEL. YOU CAN READ THOSE THERE.
SPECIAL PERSONNEL. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS. TELEPHONE, UTILITIES, FOOD AND KITCHEN. AND THEN THE NEXT SLIDE.
SO THIS SLIDE SHOWS PROJECTED PROPERTY TAX REVENUE AND KIND OF A BUSY SLIDE. IT SHOWS OUR EXISTING TAX RATE, THE 28.8979, THAT FIRST COLUMN, IF WE WERE TO ADOPT THE CURRENT TAX RATE ASSUMING 97% COLLECTION RATE WE WOULD GENERATE AN ADDITIONAL ALMOST 2.6 MILLION AND THAT'S THE ADDITIONAL REVENUE WE UTILIZE TO BUILD OUR PROPOSED 2026/27 BUDGET.
IF WE DECIDED TO GO WITH NO NEW REVENUE RATE GENERATE ADDITIONAL 1.6 MILLION. SO YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING WHY IS IT GENERATING MORE MONEY IF NO NEW REVENUE RATE.
THAT'S ON NEW PROPERTIES. BECAUSE THE EFFECTIVE -- THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE CONSIDERS PROPERTIES ON THE ROLL LAST YEAR AND THIS YEAR. IF NEW PROPERTIES, NEW REVENUE COME INTO THE COUNTY AND THAT'S THE 1.6 MILLION.
AND THEN THE VOTER APPROVAL RATE WITH THE INCREMENT 31 CENTS AND THAT WOULD GENERATE AN ADDITIONAL $6 MILLION.
ITEMS TO CONSIDER, KEEP IN THE BACK OF YOUR MIND WHEN WE GET INTO BUDGET DISCUSSIONS LATER ON IN THE AGENDA.
NEXT SLIDE PLEASE. AND THEN THESE ARE SOME BUDGET PRIORITIES THAT WE INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSED BUDGET IN JUDGE SCOTT'S PROPOSED BUDGET. CONTINUANCE PAY FOR 178 EMPLOYEES. SOME PERSONNEL CHANGES AND RECLASSIFICATIONS, AND THE MAJORITY OF THOSE HAD A NET ZERO IMPACT. THE DEPARTMENTS CUT IN OTHER PLACES TO RECLASSIFY POSITIONS AT A PRETTY CLOSE TO A NET ZERO.
WE ARE RECOMMENDED TO INCREASE THE MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT AND PURDY UM RATES TO THE IRS RATES. PER DIEM WANT TO INCREASE TO CURRENT RATES I BELIEVE AUSTIN AND SAN ANTONIO.
>> HOW LONG HAS OURS NOT CHANGED.
>> I DON'T KNOW FOR CERTAIN. I KNOW FOR YEARS.
IT'S 49 CENTS CURRENTLY. AND WE ARE PROPOSING 72.5 CENTS.
THAT'S HUGE. THE DOLLAR AMOUNT ISN'T SIGNIFICANT BUT I THINK HUGE FOR THE EMPLOYEES.
WE ALSO HAVE FUNDING FOR THE INNOVATIVE READINESS TRAINING.
HAD THAT PRESENTATION I THINK LAST MEETING, AN AMAZING PROGRAM. SO WE INCLUDED FUNDING FOR THAT THIS YEAR. AS WELL AS FOR ADDITIONAL VETERANS EVENTS. WE ALSO FUNDED SOME CAPITAL EXPENDITURES. SOME BADLY NEEDED CAPITAL EXPENDITURES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY.
AND THEN WE ALSO HAD TO INCLUDE UTILITIES, FUEL, VEHICLE LEASES, COPIERS, SOFTWARE AND OTHER CONTRACTUAL INCREASES.
AND THEN AT THE END WE LOOKED AT THE DEPARTMENTAL REQUEST AND HAD TO GO THROUGH AND SEE WHAT WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT, WHO WAS GETTING WHAT, AND SO WE DID INCLUDE SOME LIMITED DEPARTMENT REQUESTED INCREASES IN THE BUDGET.
THAT CONCLUDES THE PRESENTATION FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING.
AND SO I THINK IT'S ITEM 6 IN OUR REGULAR AGENDA WE'LL BE TALKING ABOUT THE BUDGET WHERE WE CAN TALK ABOUT THIS PROPOSED BUDGET AND ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS YOU WOULD LIKE TO M
MAKE. >> AMOUNTS OF EACH ITEM.
>> YES, SIR. WE'LL DISCUSS ALL OF THOSE IN DETAIL. THAT CONCLUDES MY PRESENTATION.
>> WE ARE GOING TO TALK IN DETAIL.
ANY QUESTIONS FOR CONSTANCE BEFORE WE MOVE ON PUBLIC HEARING. ANY QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE IF YOU DIDN'T HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK? AND IT IS 9:38, AND WE'LL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AND MOVE ON TO THE REGULAR MEETING. I DON'T THINK WE HAD ANYONE SIGN UP FOR PUBLIC COMMENT TODAY. ANYONE OUT HERE WHO DIDN'T HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SIGN UP WHO WISHES TO SPEAK ON PUBLIC
[2. CONSENT AGENDA: The following Agenda Items are of a routine nature, and the Commissioners Court has received supporting materials for consideration. All of these Agenda Items will be passed with one vote without being discussed separately, unless a member of the Commissioners Court or the public requests that a particular Agenda Item be discussed. If so, that Agenda Item will be pulled from the Consent Agenda and discussed as part of the regular Agenda at the appropriate time. One vote will approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda.]
COMMENT. THERE BEING NONE, WE'LL MOVE ON TO OUR CONSENT AGENDA. DO ANY OTHER COMMISSIONERS HAVE ANYTHING THEY WISH TO PULL FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA?FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION. >> (INAUDIBLE).
>> MOTION TO APPROVE ALL ITEMS. >> H, I HAVE A QUESTION ON THAT.
[00:30:13]
>> DO YOU WANT TO AMEND YOUR APPROVAL ABOUT H.
>> MOTION TO APPROVE ITEMS A THROUGH G.
>> SECONDED. >> DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO PULL TOO. LET'S BACK UP.
>> HE SECONDED. >> I THOUGHT YOU SAID JUDGE YOU WANTED SOMETHING ELSE PULLED. OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ALL THOSE IN FAVOUR SAY AYE.
[H. Adopt proposed amendments to the Nueces County Beach Management Plan for a proposed Beach User Fee increase and forward amendments to the General Land Office for certification; approve corresponding Order.]
ANY OPPOSED. THE MOTION PASSES.MOVING ON TO HUM H ADOPT ADOPT PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE NUECES COUNTY BEACH MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PROPOSED BEACH USER FEE INCREASE AND FORWARD AMENDMENTS TO THE GENERAL LAND OFFICE FOR CERTIFICATION APPROVE CORRESPONDING ORDER.
I BELIEVE THE CITY. >> THIS IS.
>> PARKING PERMIT. DON'T PAY AN ENTRANCE FEE.
JUST HAVE TO HAVE A PARKING PERMIT.
IT'S 20 A YEAR. IT MAINLY IMPACTS OUR GUESTS THAT COME IN, LOCAL PEOPLE, ONE TIME AND THEY HAVE ANNUAL
ACCESS. >> WHAT'S THE AMOUNT RIGHT NOW.
>> 12 TO 20, YES. BUT HASN'T BEEN RAISED IN YEARS
>> THANKS FOR THAT. >> MAKE A DIFFERENCE 30 YEARS.
SOMETIMES CAN'T GO UP. SAYING GOING FROM 12 TO 16.
>> 12 TO 20. >> AND THE CITIES HAVE APPROVED THIS. WE ARE THE LAST ONE TO APPROVE BEFORE IT GO TOSS THE GLO. THIS IS A ONE-TIME COST ANNUALLY FOR YOUR PARKING PERMIT THAT GOES ON YOUR VEHICLE TO PARK ON THE BEACH. PER CAR.
YOU CAN LOAD AS MANY PEOPLE YOU WANT TO.
IT'S PER CAR. >> PLENTY OF SPOTS ON THE BEACH DON'T HAVE TO HAVE THE PARKING STICKER ALSO.
IF WE DON'T PASS THIS THEY CAN DO WITHOUT US AND WE'LL LOSE IN
REVENUE. >> WE GET 16% OF EVERY STICKER SOLD AND EQUATE TO JUST UNDER A MILLION DOLLARS IN BEACH PARKING
STICKERS. >> IF WE DON'T VOTE AND PARTICIPATE THEY CAN MOVE ON WITHOUT US.
>> DON'T NEED OUR APPROVAL. JUST LOSE MILLION.
>> CERTAIN AREAS FREE TO PARK WITHOUT A STICKER.
EACH JURISDICTION DOES. >> CAN THEY ACQUIRE THESE PERMITS ONLINE. DIDN'T WE USED TO DO THAT.
>> NOT UNLESS THE CITY HAS AN ONLINE PORTAL, I'M NOT AWARE OF THAT. TYPICALLY EITHER GET FROM A BEACH PARKING STICKER SELLER THAT'S CONTRACTED LIKE THEY HAVE ONE, GET AT THE PARK OFFICES, STRIPES, HUB OR THE CITY AND
COUNTY TO PURCHASE THEM. >> WHY WOULDN'T WE PUT THAT ONLINE WHERE PEOPLE COULD PURCHASE?
>> SIR, I DON'T KNOW. GOOD QUESTION.
>> JUST ASKING. IS THERE A REASON WHY WE
COULDN'T. >> NOT A REASON WHY WE COULDN'T.
>> HAVE TO WORK IT OUT WITH THE GLO AND MAKE SURE ACCOUNTABILITY THERE, WHATEVER STRUCTURES IN PLACE AND THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE.
>> I THINK WE SHOULD LOOK INTO THAT.
I DO. >> I WILL BRING IT UP TO OUR COMMITTEE WHICH IS PORT A CORPUS CHRISTI.
>> IF HEADED FROM THE BEACH FROM HOUSTON AND WANT TO GET A
PARKING PERMIT. >> GET IT ON YOUR PHONE.
>> GET YOUR HUNTING LICENSE ON THE PHONE.
>> EXACTLY. >> BUT THE IMPORTANT THING WE HAVE TO REMEMBER THESE BEACH USER FEE REFERENCE THAT WE BRING IN HAVE TO BE HELD SEPARATE THAN ANY OTHER OPERATIONAL COST AND THEY HAVE TO BE USED FOR BEACH IMPROVEMENT SERVICES.
>> NO, NO, I UNDERSTAND ALL THAT.
TALKING ABOUT THE FUNCTION OF GETTING THE PERMIT.
>> YES, SIR. >> WE NOW HAVE NUECES COUNTY ONLINE ON IPHONE. CELL PHONE.
SO WHY COULDN'T WE DO THAT? >> I WILL ASK THEM AND CHECK WITH OTHER JURISDICTIONS UP AND DOWN THE COAST TO SEE WHAT THEY
ARE DOING. >> THAT WOULD BE GREAT, THANK
YOU. >> MOTION TO PASS THIS BASED ON THE FACT AND TO THANK THE CITIES FOR CONTINUING TO INCLUDE US IN THIS BECAUSE THEY LITERALLY -- AND I KNOW YOU HAD A LOT TO DO WITH THAT, JUDGE, IN REGARDS TO THOSE DISCUSSIONS AND I APPRECIATE YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN THAT BECAUSE THEY REALLY COULD MOVE ON WITHOUT US AND LOSE ABOUT A MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR.
MAKE A MOTION TO PASS THIS. >> MOTION AND SECOND.
COMMISSIONER MAREZ. >> NOT GOING TO MAKE COMMISSIONER CHESNEY REPEAT ALL THAT MOTION AGAIN.
I'M GOOD. JUST GOING TO SAY HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RUN BEACH MAINTENANCE, JUST A GENERAL
[00:35:06]
NUMBER. >> AROUND 6, 700,000 A YEAR.
>> SO MAKING A LITTLE BIT MORE --
>> YES. >> ROUGHLY AT LEAST ENOUGH TO
COVER THAT. >> BUT WE ARE REQUIRED TO PUT THAT OVERAGE BACK INTO SERVICES ON THE BEACH OF SOME SORT.
NOW WE CAN GROW THAT FUND BALANCE SO TO SPEAK.
NOT CALLING FUND BALANCE BUT LACK OF BETTER WORDS GROW THAT TOWARDS ANOTHER BIG PROJECT. SAY IMPROVE ONE OF THE REST ROOMS THAT NEED TO BE ELEVATED FOR BASIC FLOOD ELEVATION, CAN STOCKPILE THAT OVERAGE TO GO TOWARDS A REST ROOM FACILITY.
THOSE COULD BE USED TO OFFSET THE COST OF EQUIPMENT, LIKE A FRONT END LOADER OR A MOTOR GRADER.
IT WOULD MORE THAN PAY FOR A MOTOR GRADER THAT'S FOR SURE.
THAT'S WHAT THEY CAN BE USED FOR.
AFTER WE PAY FOR OUR OPERATIONAL COST.
>> PERFECT. >> MY NEXT QUESTION OPEN THIS THING UP, MAKE A MILLION DOLLARS, WHATEVER, YOU KNOW, HOW MANY PEOPLE, A LOT OF PEOPLE CAN'T PAY ANOTHER $8, BUT THE MONEY THAT IS LEFT OVER, WHERE DOES THAT MONEY GO INTO GENERAL
>> IT HAS TO STAY ON THE BEACH. >> IT HAS TO STAY IN ITS OWN SEPARATE ACCOUNT. CANNOT BE COMMINGLED WITH OTHER
GENERAL FUND MONEY. >> PROBLEM I HAVE.
CHARGE CERTAIN AREA CERTAIN PARTS, COUNTY WIDE THING, COUNTY THING, ONLY ONE AREA BENEFITS BY IT, YOU KNOW.
THAT'S A PROBLEM THAT I HAVE, YOU KNOW.
COLLECT THE MONEY AND STAYS AT THE BEACH, STAYS COASTAL PARKS I GUESS. I DON'T KNOW WHERE ELSE.
MAYBE COASTAL PARKS. >> WITH BEACH RELATED SERVICES IN COASTAL PARKS. THAT'S THE STATE.
IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE THAT THIS IS A LEGISLATIVE SESSION MAYBE
TIME TO LOBBY FOR IT. >> AGAIN, I'M JUST QUESTION HING THIS THING BECAUSE YOU KNOW BEEN AGAINST THE FACT EXTRA MONIES IT'S ALWAYS STAYS THERE. NOBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO USE THAT MONEY EXCEPT THAT AREA. SO THAT'S ALWAYS BEEN MY ARGUMENT, RIGHT. SO JUST, AGAIN, I THINK THAT SOMEWHERE OUGHT TO BE A STATE LAW, I DON'T REMEMBER THAT BEING A STATE LAW, BUT I THINK THAT WE ALL PUT INTO IT WE DON'T ALL GET BACK FROM IT, RIGHT. THAT'S MY PROBLEM.
THAT'S MY TAKE. I THINK NEED TO LOOK INTO FURTHER AND SEE -- GO AND TAKE A VOTE.
READY FOR THE VOTE. >> WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT IT'S CLEAR BECAUSE IF IT DOESN'T HAPPEN THEN THE GENERAL FUND WILL HAVE TO SUBSIDIZE ANOTHER 6 OR $700,000 THAT THIS TAKES CARE OF. YOU ARE GETTING A BENEFIT FROM THE COUNTY WIDE BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT THE GENERAL FUND DOESN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR 6 OR 700,000 OF THIS PLUS MORE THAT'S COMING, IT WILL BE UP TO A MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR THAT WILL BE ABLE TO THEN HELP OFFSET THE GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES.
THAT'S -- IT'S A HUGE BENEFIT TO THE GENERAL FUND THAT BENEFITS THE REST OF THE COUNTY THAT GETS TO USE THAT MONEY FOR OTHER THINGS. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT'S CLEARLY ARTICULATED. THIS IS A BIG DEAL BECAUSE IF A MILLION DOLLARS, IF A MILLION DOLLARS GOES AWAY, THEN THAT MILLION DOLLARS COMES FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE BECAUSE WE STILL GOT TO CLEAN THE BEACHES. THIS IS A BIG DEAL.
AND I'M OKAY, YOU CAN CHANGE STATE LAW, LIKE SCOTT SAID THAT'S STATE LAW THIS IS BIG MONEY AND WANT TO THANK THE CITIES FOR LETTING US TO CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROGRAM BECAUSE THE COUNTY SELLS VIRTUALLY NOTHING ON BEACH PERMITS. IT'S A GIFT THAT THEY ARE GIVING US TO GET THIS MONEY, AND IT IS APPRECIATED AND AGAIN I WANT TO THANK THEM FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION.
>> YOU BROUGHT UP A VERY GOOD POINT, COMMISSIONER.
GLAD YOU DID THAT. BECAUSE YOU SAID COMES OUT OF GENERAL FUND WE GOT TO PAY FOR IT.
BUT THE MONEY LEFT OVER GO TOSS COASTAL PARKS.
WHY DOESN'T COASTAL PARKS PAY FOR IT? THAT'S MY DEAL. THOSE EXPENSES COASTAL PARK IS TAKING IN ALL THESE EXTRA FUNDS, WHY DON'T THEY JUST PAY FOR IT?
>> THERE IS NO EXTRA FUNDS, COMMISSIONER.
I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT -- >> YOU SAID A MILLION BUT USE
600,000. >> BECAUSE IT'S GOING UP TO A MILLION. WITH THIS PLAN, IT GOING TO GO UP TO A MILLION BECAUSE GOING FROM 12 TO 20.
MEANS MORE REVENUE. COSTS 6 OR 700,000.
IF THAT GOES AWAY AND WE DON'T DO THIS, THEN THE GENERAL FUND WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS. SO THIS IS A SELF-CLEANING MECHANISM, IT'S A USER FEE THAT ONLY PEOPLE THAT USE THE BEACH DO IT, SO THIS IS -- I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHERE THE DISCONNECT IS ON THIS BECAUSE THIS HAS BEEN THE SAME WAY WE
[00:40:01]
HAVE DONE THIS FOR YEARS AND YEARS AND YEARS AND YEARS.I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO SAY OTHER THAN THE FACT IF THIS GOES AWAY DON'T DO IT, THE GENERAL FUND HAS TO PAY FOR IT.
BECAUSE GENERAL FUND ALREADY SUBSIDIZES COASTAL PARKS.
>> I THINK WE ARE READY FOR THE VOTE ANYWAY.
WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECONDER. WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOUR SAY AYE. >> (TOGETHER): AYE.
>> FOUR AYES ONE NAY, THE MOTION PASSES.
MOVING ON TO REGULAR AGENDA. AND I DON'T BELIEVE WE HAVE ANYTHING FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION NO ITEMS IN REGULAR AGENDA.
[A. Discuss and consider adoption of an Order approving the 2026 tax roll; setting the 2026 tax rate for the Nueces County Hospital District; and levying said tax rate against all taxable property in Nueces County for 2026.]
NOTHING IN EXECUTIVE. SO WE'LL GO ON TO OUR BUDGET PROPOSALS. 5 A HOSPITAL DISTRICT BUDGET DISCUSSING CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF AN ORDER APPROVING THE 2026 TAX ROLL; SETTING THE 2026 RATE FOR THE NUECES COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT, AND LEVYING SAID TAX RATE AGAINST ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY IN NUECES COUNTY FOR 2026.AND WE HAVE -- THEY HAVE ALREADY TOLD US THEY WANT TO DO THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE, AND I HAVE A MOTION HERE IF THERE IS NO OTHEN APPROVE SETTING THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT -- NUECES COUNTY HOSPITAL DIRECT TAX RATE FISCAL YEAR 2026, 2027 NO NEW REVENUE RATE 0.088501 PER $100 VALUATION.
>> SECOND. >> MOTION AND SECOND.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOUR SAY AYE. DO WE HAVE TO GO ONE BY ONE.
>> COMMISSIONER MAREZ. >> AYE.
>> AYE. >> UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
>> COULD YOU READ THE ORDER FOR THE RECORD.
I'M SORRY. THE ORDER THAT'S ATTACHED.
>> ON THE BACK. >> YES, MA'AM.
>> I HAVE TO READ ALL OF THAT. YOU DIDN'T TELL ME THAT PART.
HERE WE GO. ACCEPTING AND APPROVING THE 2026 TAX ROLL SETTING THE 2026 TAX RATE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 FOR THE NUECES COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT AND LEVYING SAID TAX RATE AGAINST ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY IN NUECES COUNTY FOR TAX YEAR 2026 WHEREAS THE COMMISSIONERS COURT AUTHORIZE THE TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR TO COMPUTE THE NO NEW REVENUE TAX RATE FOR TAX YEAR 2026 FISCAL YEAR 26/27 FOR THE NUECES COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT AND WHEREAS NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED TAX PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX RATE FULLY IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROPERTY TAX CODE AND RULES OF THE STATE CONTROLLERS OFFICE PROPERTY TAX DIVISION APPEARED IN THE CORPUS CHRISTI TIMES ON AUGUST 23RD, 2026 AND THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT FINDS AND DETERMINES THAT THE PROPER PROCEDURE HAS BEEN FOLLOWED TO LAWFULLY CONSIDER THE PROPOSED TAX RATES FOR TAX YEAR 2026 FISCAL YEAR 26/27 INCLUDING PROPER NOTICE OF THE MEETING OF THE SEPTEMBER 9TH, 2026 AS PROVIDED BY CHAPTER 551 GOVERNMENT CODE, TEXAS CODE AND WHEREAS THE COMMISSIONERS COURT FINDS AND APPROVES THE TAX RATE FOR THE NUECES COUNTY COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT FOR THE CURRENT YEAR CONSISTING OF THE FOLLOWING, ONE, THE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION TAX RATE OF 0 0.088501 PER $100 VALUATION THAT IF APPLIED TO THE TOTAL TAXABLE VALUE WILL IMPOSE THE AMOUNT OF TAXES NEEDED TO FUND MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION EXPENDITURES OF THE NUECES COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT FOR THE NEXT YEAR. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT THAT THE 2026 TAX ROLL AS SUBMITTED BY THE NUECES COUNTY TAX APPRAISAL DISTRICT TO THE NUECES COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR IS APPROVED AND THAT THE FOLLOWING TAX RATE PER $100 VALUE IS SET AND LEVIED AGAINST ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY FOR 2026, NUECES COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT 0.008501 PER $100 VALUATION BE IT FURTHER ORDERED HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS FOR 2026 SHALL INCLUDE 20% FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS BUT NOT LESS THAN 5,000 AND 62,500 FOR OVER AGE 65 OR DISABLED EXEMPTION, PLUS EXEMPTIONS MANDATED BY STATE LAW AND BE IT FURTHER ORDERED THAT NO DISCOUNTS ARE TO BE ALLOWED FOR EARLY PAYMENT OF TAXES, SPLIT PAYMENT OF TAXES AS DESCRIBED IN
[00:45:01]
SECTION 31.03 OF THE PROPERTY TAX CODE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.THE PROPOSED ORDER ACCEPTING AND APPROVING THE 2026 TAX ROLL SETTING THE 2026 TAX RATE FOR THE NUECES COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT AND LEVYING SAID TAX RATE AGAINST ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY AND NUECES COUNTY HAVING BEEN READ PUBLICLY COMMENT, PUBLIC COMMENT HAVING BEEN ALLOWED AND COMMENTS HAVING BEEN CONSIDERED ON A MOTION OF WHO MADE THAT MOTION AWHILE AGO? I DID. OKAY.
I HAVE READ A LOT OF THINGS SINCE THEN.
SECONDED BY PUSLEY -- CHESNEY. THE COURT VOTED TO ADOPT A TAX RATE OF 0.008501 PER $100 VALUATION AND ADOPT THE COURT ORDER ON THE 9TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2026.
VOTING FOR THE TAX RATE WAS UNANIMOUS.
>> (INAUDIBLE). >> ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO READ? THANK YOU. GOODNESS.
A MOUTHFUL. THEN WE HAVE TO MOVE ON TO ITEM B, DISCUSS AND CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF THE 2026-2027 NUECES COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT BUDGET PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE, THE TAXPAYER IMPACT STATEMENT AND THE DRAFT BUDGET ARE ATTACHED TO THIS MEETING NOTICE.
DO I NEED TO READ THIS ORDER BEFORE WE VOTE OR AFTER.
>> (INAUDIBLE). >> IT'S JUST MOTION I DON'T HAVE TO READ ANOTHER ORDER OR ANYTHING WE DO THIS EVERY YEAR.
FORGET WHAT WE HAVE TO READ AND WHAT WE DON'T.
>> MY OFFICE IS THE SAME. WE USUALLY READ IT.
>> DO WE HAVE A DIFFERENT ONE FOR THAT.
I ONLY HAVE THE ORDER FOR THE TAX RATE.
I DON'T HAVE TO READ IT AGAIN. >> (INAUDIBLE).
>> NO, THIS IS FOR THEIR BUDGET. APPROVE THEIR BUDGET.
THIS ISN'T FOR THE TAX RATE. WE APPROVED THEIR TAX RATE.
THIS IS FOR THEIR BUDGET. YES.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> WE HAVE A MOTION, THE MOTION IS TO APPROVE THE COURT ADOPT AN ORDER SETTING THE NUECES COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT'S TAX RATE AS APPROVED INCLUDING THE DISCLOSURES REQUIRED BY -- THIS IS THE TAX RATE AGAIN.
THIS IS NOT 5 B DOWN AT THE BOTTOM.
SUPPOSED TO READ BOTH OF THOSE MOTIONS AT THE TOP THOUGH.
>> (INAUDIBLE). >> I HAVE TO GO BACK AND DO THE
SECOND MOTION. >> (INAUDIBLE).
>> BUDGET IS JUST BUDGET. >> I HAVE TWO MOTIONS FOR THE FIRST ONE FOR A IS WHAT I'M SAYING.
WAS I SUPPOSED TO READ BOTH OF THOSE MOTIONS.
>> MOTION FOR THE BUDGET. IT'S JUST A MOTION.
I DON'T THINK AN ORDER FOR THE BUDGET.
>> SAYS TWO MOTIONS ARE NEEDED. ONE TO APPROVE THE BUDGET AND SEPARATE MOTION TO RATIFY THE PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.
SO BOTH HAVE TO BE READ. AS IN PRIOR YEARS READ THE ORDER ATTACHED TO MOTIONS WILL BE NEEDED.
NEED A RECORD VOTE. SECOND MOTION LET'S GO BACK TO ITEM A BECAUSE WE NEED ANOTHER MOTION.
WE ARE JUST GOING TO COVER OUR BASES AND MAKE SURE THAT WE DO EVERYTHING WE ARE SUPPOSED TO. IT SAYS I NEED TWO MOTIONS SO I'M GOING TO MOVE THAT THE COURT ADOPT AN ORDER SETTING NUECES COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT TAX RATE AS JUST APPROVED INCLUDING THE DISCLOSURES REQUIRED BY TAX CODE 2605 B AND LEVYING SAID TAX RATE AGAINST ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY IN NUECES COUNTY FOR 2026. COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ MADE THE
>> CHESNEY SECONDED. COMMISSIONER PUSLEY HOW IS YOUR
[B. Discuss and consider adoption of the 2026-2027 Nueces County Hospital District Budget (Pursuant to Tex. Gov't Code § 551.043 (c), the Taxpayer Impact Statement and the draft budget are attached to this meeting notice.)]
>> AYE. >> UNANIMOUS APPROVAL.
NOW WE'LL GO TO AGENDA ITEM 5 B. TWO MOTIONS ARE NEEDED FOR THIS ALSO. I MAKE THE MOTION TO ADOPT THE FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 NUECES COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT BUDGET PURSUANT TO TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE, THIS BUDGET WILL RAISE LESS REVENUE FROM PROPERTY TAXES BY LAST YEAR'S BUDGET BY AN AMOUNT $403,821 WHICH IS 0.95% DECREASE FROM LAST YEAR'S BUDGET. THE PROPERTY TAX REVENUE TO BE RAISED FROM NEW PROPERTY ADDED TO THE TAX ROLL THIS YEAR IS
[00:50:01]
>> HAVE A MOTION AND A SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ.
>> COMMISSIONER MAREZ. >> AYE.
>> AYE. >> SECOND MOTION I MAKE THE MOTION TO RATIFY THE PROPERTY TAX INCREASE REFLECTED IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2026/27 NUECES COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT BUDGET THAT WILL REQUIRE RAISING MORE REVENUE FROM PROPERTY TAXES THAN IN THE PRIOR YEAR BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $564,320.
>> THAT'S THE NEW PROPERTY, RIGHT.
>> ALL NEW NEW REVENUE. >> NEW REVENUE AND THIS IS NEW
PROPERTY. >> INCREASED BECAUSE NEW ON THE
>> I MADE THE MOTION. ANYBODY.
THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER MAREZ SECOND IT.
>> AYE. >> COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ.
>> MOTION APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. AND WE ARE DONE WITH YOUR HOSPITAL DISTRICT. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE MR. HIP, WE APPRECIATE YOU VERY MUCH.
YES. I THINK WE ARE DONE, RIGHT.
I'M RELEASING -- WAITE, WE'LL CALL YOU BACK.
[A. Discuss and consider adoption of an Order approving the 2026 tax roll; setting the 2026 tax rate for Nueces County; and levying said tax rate against all taxable property in Nueces County for 2026.]
MOVING ON TO ITEM 6 A NUECES COUNTY BUDGET.ADOPTION OF AN ORDER APPROVING THE 2026 TAX ROLL SETTING THE 2026 TAX RATE FOR NUECES COUNTY AND LEVYING SAID TAX RATE AGAINST ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY IN NUECES COUNTY FOR 2026.
SO I HAVE TWO DIFFERENT MOTIONS BECAUSE I AM TOLD THERE WERE TWO DIFFERENT OPTIONS THAT PEOPLE -- I HAVE ONE FOR A THING TO READ FOR THE CURRENT TAX RATE AND THEN I'M TOLD THAT THERE ARE POSSIBLY MIGHT BE A NEED FOR THE VOTER APPROVE WITH UNUSED INCREMENT TAX RATE. I NEED SOMEONE TO TELL ME WHICH ONE WE ARE WANTING TO DO HERE. WHAT THE PLAN IS.
>> WELL, I THINK WE HAVE SOME -- AT LEAST I DO HAVE SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT SOME PARTS OF THE BUDGET AND WHERE WE ARE GOING. I GUESS THE FIRST THING I WANT TO TALK ABOUT IS OUR CURRENT BUDGET IF WE ADOPT THE CURRENT TAX RATE, WHERE ARE WE AT WITH RESPECT TO PAY INCREASES FOR THE
EMPLOYEES IN NUECES COUNTY? >> THERE IS NOTHING INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT TAX RATE FOR PAY INCREASES FOR EMPLOYEES OTHER
THAN SPECIFIC -- >> I KIND OF KNEW THE ANSWER TO
I FIGURED YOU DID. >> NOT THAT WE DIDN'T WANT TO, BUT THIS YEAR MY FOCUS WORKING ON THE BUDGET WITH THE LADIES IN THE BUDGET OFFICE WAS MORE ON ALL OUR BUDGETS, THE DEPARTMENT BUDGETS, AND BUILDINGS AND MAINTENANCE AND THINGS LIKE THAT HAD BEEN IGNORED FOR MANY YEARS BECAUSE OF THE -- WHEN WE WENT DOWN SO LOW WITH THE TAX RATE AND (INDISCERNIBLE) INCREASE LAST YEAR DID DO OUR EMPLOYEES SO I WAS GOING TO FOCUS ON THE OTHER. OPEN TO ANYONE WHO WISHES TO
BRING ANYTHING ELSE UP. >> CAN YOU HELP ME WITH WHAT WE ARE DOING WITH RESPECT TO BUILDING MAINTENANCE AT THE
FAIRGROUNDS? >> WELL, WE ARE CURRENTLY REVIEWING ALL OF OUR COS, ALL OF OUR CAPITAL FUNDS, AND WE ARE GOING TO BE ANALYZING THAT TO SEE WHAT'S AVAILABLE TO SPEND AT OUR DIFFERENT FACILITIES. AT THIS POINT IT'S STILL IN THE WORKS. THERE IS NOTHING IN THE CURRENT BUDGET CURRENTLY INCREASING ANY MAINTENANCE FOR THE FAIRGROUNDS.
>> OKAY. SO I MEAN WE HAD EXTENSIVE
DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THE FACT -- >> CAN YOU GET CLOSER TO YOUR
MIC IF YOU DON'T MIND. >> I'M SORRY.
HAD EXTENSIVE DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THE MAINTENANCE NECESSARY OR NEEDED AT THE FAIRGROUNDS. FACILITY 20 YEARS OLD AND WE HAVE DONE VIRTUALLY NO MAINTENANCE ON THE BUILDING OTHER THAN WHAT'S BEEN REQUIRED, AIRCONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN VERY DIRE NEED OF UPGRADES. SO WE ARE NOT PUTTING ANYTHING
INTO THIS CURRENT BUDGET. >> AS IT'S PROPOSED RIGHT NOW NO BUT WE COULD ADD SOME IF THAT'S -- IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO THAT, WILL OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT.
WE ALSO LOOKED AT CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE. BUT THAT'S TO BE DETERMINED.
>> OKAY. >> OUR PLAN WAS ONCE THOSE GET FINALIZED AND THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE HAS BEEN DOING A
[00:55:01]
TREMENDOUS JOB GETTING US UP TO DATE WITH CASH FLOWS AND THINGS LIKE THAT BUT NOT QUITE THERE ON THE COS.ONCE WE HAVE THE BALANCES AND ESPECIALLY THE OLDER COS SHOULD NOT BE SIT INTERESTING MAKING MONEY THAT WAS OUR PLAN AND DOESN'T REQUIRE TO BE PUT IN THE BUDGET, WOULD HAVE TO BE WHATEVER JOB IS PRESENTED TO US, THEY WOULD COME FORWARD IF THERE IS A NEED AND WE WOULD USE UP THOSE OLDER COS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE WITH INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS.
>> OKAY. HAVE WE BUDGETED FUNDS FOR BUILDING MAINTENANCE AT ANY OTHER COUNTY FACILITIES.
>> YES, WE HAVE. ONE PROPOSAL THAT WE HAVE PUT IN THE BUDGET IS TO HAVE ALL BUILDINGS UNDER ONE DEPARTMENT.
SO THAT WE HAVE ONE DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR FOCUSING ON ALL OF THE BUILDINGS, WHETHER THE FAIRGROUNDS, THE LIBRARY, HAVE EVERYBODY UNDER ONE. SO THAT IS A CHANGE FOR THIS
YEAR. >> AND I SUPPORT THAT 100%.
I THINK PUBLIC WORKS GOT (INAUDIBLE) PUBLIC WORKS.
>> CORRECT. >> ONLY WAY I VOTE FOR THIS BUDGET IF A ROAD IS A ROAD IS A ROAD.
>> AND A BUILDING IS A BUILDING. >> A BUILDING IS A BUILDING.
>> IF THE ROAD INSIDE HAZEL (INDISCERNIBLE) PARK HAS A POTHOLE PUBLIC WORKS IS RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THAT AND EDWARDS IS NOT IN THE ROAD BUSINESS.
SO THAT IS SOMETHING I HAVE BEEN ADVOCATING FOR FOR YEARS AND WE NEED TO MAKE, AT THE SAME TIME NEED TO BE FAIR TO PUBLIC WORKS AND MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE PROVIDING THE APPROPRIATE REVENUE FOR THEM TO TAKE CARE OF ALL OF OUR ROADS.
BUT IF IT'S A ROAD IT'S A ROAD. AND YOU KNOW FOR YEARS I WAS TOLD THAT ROADS INSIDE PARKS DIDN'T QUALIFY, AND I NEVER UNDERSTOOD THAT BECAUSE SOMETHING ABOUT THEY WEREN'T A PUBLIC ROAD, I CAN'T THINK OF A BETTER DEFINITION OF A PUBLIC ROAD THAN ONE THAT'S IN A PARK. SO -- BUT IT'S FRUSTRATING WHEN WE HAVE TO HAVE REPAIRS DONE TO OUR PARK ROADS AND WE HAVE TO -- WE ESSENTIALLY HAVE TO GO HIGHER OUTSIDE CONTRACTORS TO DO THAT.
BUT WE HAVE TO START LOOKING AT BUILDING MAINTENANCE ON A YEAR IN, YEAR OUT BASIS VERY SERIOUSLY.
WE CANNOT ALLOW OUR BUILDINGS TO JUST SIT HERE AND DETERIORATE.
AND THE FAIRGROUNDS DESPERATELY NEEDS SOME UPGRADES.
AND I THINK WE NEED TO LOOK AT THAT.
SO THAT'S ALL I HAVE TO SAY RIGHT AT THIS MOMENT.
>> I AGREE. >> JUDGE, I HAVE SEVERAL RECOMMENDATIONS. I DON'T KNOW IF YOU ALL WANT A COPY OF THEM OR NOT. I'M GOING TO READ THEM OUT.
AND... >> THIS IS -- YOU NEED ONE FOR
CHESNEY, YES. >> READING THESE AHEAD OF TIME AND ALL OF YOU GOT MINE TOO THAT WOULD INCREASE --
>> I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S IN HERE BECAUSE I JUST GOT IT THIS MORNING. I DIDN'T GET IT YESTERDAY.
BUT I GOT IT THIS MORNING. HAVEN'T REALLY COMPARED.
MIGHT HAVE SOME OF THE SAME THINGS . PGH >> I THINK WE DO ON
SOME OF THE THINGS BUT... >> MY FIRST OF COURSE MAKING RECOMMENDATION 8% ACROSS THE BOARD.
>> EXCUSE ME. >> DO YOU NEED A COPY OF THIS.
>> I HAVE GOT AN EXTRA COPY H HERE.
>> RIGHT NOW WE ARE VOTING ON THE TAX RATE.
>> THIS IS ON THE BUDGET ITEM. SO FIRST WE VOTE ON THE TAX RATE. BUT WE ARE NOT GOING TO HAVE THE FUNDING TO DO A LOT IF WE DON'T DECIDE ON THE TAX RATE.
SO I'M NOT SURE -- >> (INAUDIBLE).
>> WE'LL DO THE BUDGET FIRST. >> I THOUGHT LEGALLY YOU HAD TO SET THE TAX RATE FIRST. THAT'S HOW WE HAVE ALWAYS --
>> (INAUDIBLE). >> JUST ASKING TECHNICAL QUESTION. IF NICOLE CAN ANSWER THAT ONE.
IN THE PAST SET THE TAX RATE FIRST AND GONE THROUGH THE BUDGET. IF THAT'S NOT THE CORRECT, I'M OKAY. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE
DOING IT RIGHT. >> DOUBLE-CHECKING.
>> TYPICALLY GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES WOULD APPROVE THE BUDGET AND THEN ADOPT A TAX RATE TO COVER THE REVENUE TO SUPPORT
THAT BUDGET. >> THAT'S NOT WHAT WE JUST DID
ON THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT. >> I KNOW THAT.
I'M SAYING TYPICALLY. NUECES COUNTY WE HAVE ALWAYS
DONE IT THE OTHER WAY. >> I WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE LEGAL THING IS IF YOU DON'T MIND THAT'S ALL I'M ASKING IS LEGAL.
AND I GUESS WE COULD HAVE BEEN DOING IT WRONG FOR THE LAST TWELVE YEARS. THAT'S POSSIBLE.
>> READY. >> JUST WAITING FOR NICOLE TO
[01:00:01]
ANSWER THE LEGAL. >> WE GOT TIME.
>> I DON'T KNOW HOW -- I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU ADOPT A TAX RATE UNTIL YOU FINISH DISCUSSING THE BUDGET.
WE HAVEN'T DISCUSSED BUDGET. WE JUST -- I BROUGHT UP A COUPLE
OF THINGS JUST NOW. >> MIKE, I CAN'T HEAR YOU VERY
WELL. >> IN THE MICROPHONE, MIKE,
NOBODY CAN HEAR YOU ON THE END. >> I'M SORRY.
>> THESE WONDERFUL MICROPHONES. >> I KNOW, SORRY.
>> I SAID I DON'T KNOW HOW WE CAN SET THE TAX RATE IF WE HAVEN'T HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS BUDGET.
>> THAT'S WHY I WANTED TO DO IT LAST TIME.
>> SO ARE WE GOING TO -- COMMISSIONER --
>> WAITING FOR -- >> PRESENT AND --
>> NICOLE IS LOOKING IT UP. >> I THINK THE WILL OF THE COURT WE GO THROUGH THIS ITEM BY ITEM. I'M IN SUPPORT OF THAT.
I VOTE FOR IT BUT I THINK WE SHOULD AT LEAST LOOK AT ALL THE ASKS FIRST BEFORE WE HANDCUFF OURSELVES TO A PARTICULAR --
>> GOES THROUGH THE LIST AND I SUGGEST WE START WITH MINE AND PICK HIS UP BECAUSE THIS IS PART OF A LIST TOO.
WE HAVE ALWAYS DONE THE BUDGET SCOFFS COUNTY JUDGES PROPOSAL FIRST AND I THINK IT WILL TAKE CARE OF SOME OF YOUR THINGS BECAUSE A LOT OF YOUR THINGS ARE INCLUDED IN MINE AS WELL.
I WAS TRYING TO CIRCLE THE ONES THAT ARE INCLUDED TO HAND IT TO YOU. BUT THERE IS OVERLAP THERE, YES.
>> SO WHILE WE HAVE I THINK DONE IT WHERE WE DO THE TAX RATE FIRST, THE STATUTE DOESN'T SPECIFICALLY PRESCRIBE WHICH ONE SHOULD HAPPEN FIRST. THERE IS TEXAS PRACTICE GUIDELINES THAT SAY THAT THE BUDGET SHOULD BE ADOPTED FIRST.
AND THERE IS ADDITIONAL STATUTORY GUIDELINES THAT SAY AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC HEARING, THE COMMISSIONER SHALL TAKE ACTION ON THE PROPOSED BUDGET, AND SO THE GUIDANCE WILL PROBABLY BE TO DO THE BUDGET FIRST BUT NOT A SUPER AND HARD
FAST RULE. >> THAT'S ALL I NEEDED.
>> HOW DO YOU DO IT IF YOU ADOPT THE BUDGET AND DON'T ADOPT THE TAX RATE TO COVER THE BUDGET. CAN WE GO THROUGH THE BUDGET ITEMS AND GO BACK TO THE TAX RATE TO SEE WHERE WE CAN SUBTRACT IF WE HAVE TO BEFORE WE ADOPT THE BUDGET.
LET'S REVIEW IT AND NOT ADOPT THE BUDGET YET.
>> BECAUSE THEN YOU WILL HAVE TO DO A REAL-TIME CALCULATION TOO.
I DON'T KNOW HOW THAT'S GOING TO WORK EITHER.
>> THEY USUALLY HAVE THAT. THEY HAVE MY TOTAL HERE.
THEY HAVE THE TOTALS ON EACH DEPARTMENT.
SO IT WOULD BE EASY TO DO OR TAKE OUT.
>> RIGHT BUT THEY HAVE TO CALCULATE WHAT THAT MEANS IN
>> GOOD, OKAY. >> I REMEMBER BUDGET THAT WE HAVE HAD SEEMS LIKE IT'S A FLEURY REGARDLESS WHAT'S PROVIDED IN NICE EASY PACKAGE ALWAYS MOTIONS AND SECONDS AND THROWING STUFF IN AND THEN FINALLY THE DUST SETTLE AND WE REALIZE WHAT WE HAVE DONE OR HAVEN'T DONE.
I WANT TO MAKE JUST A POINT PROCEDURALLY THAT WE ARE AS EFFICIENT AS WE CAN BECAUSE THIS IS A LOT AND JUDGE, YOU HAVE YOUR LIST AND I DON'T KNOW WHO ELSE HAS THEIR LIST.
I HAVE A FEW ASKS BUT I THINK IT'S WITHIN OUR GENERAL BUDGET THAT'S BEING PROPOSED. SO I WOULD -- JUST WANT TO MAKE -- POINT IS WE COULD BE HERE ALL DAY AND I DON'T THINK WE CAN OR NEED TO BECAUSE EITHER WE KNOW WHAT WE CAN AFFORD OR WHAT WE CAN'T. I MEAN, IF WE WANT TO PROCEED, THEN WE REALIZE WE HAVE TAKEN ON A LOT MORE THAN WHAT WE THOUGHT WE WERE GOING TO GO BYE-BYE RATE, THEN THAT'S ONE THING.
-- BY RATE, THEN THAT'S ONE THING.
BUT VERY TO BE MINDFUL, AT LEAST I AM WHEN I'M GOING THROUGH THE BUDGET PROCESS IS MANY THINGS I COULD ASK FOR AND WANT TO AND WANT TO LOOK GOOD, AND LIKE I'M SUPPORTING EVERYBODY, BUT REALITY IS REALITY. RIGHT.
OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS MANY TIMES WILL QUICKLY POINT OUT NOT THE BOSS OF ME AND YOU CAN'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO.
THE ONLY TIME WE REALLY HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO DO THAT IS DURING THE BUDGET. AND IT'S NOT OUT OF SPITE.
IT'S OUT OF WHAT REALITY IS, WHAT THE NUMBERS ARE, WHAT THE BUDGET TELLS US. SO I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DON'T GO DOWN A ROAD WHERE WE ARE GIVING EVERYBODY EVERYTHING THAT THEY HAVE ASKED FOR AFTER ALL THE TIME THAT OUR BUDGET TEAM AND YOU, JUDGE, AND ALL OF US HAVE PUT INTO THIS, IF WE
[01:05:03]
EXCEED BUDGET OUR RATE WON'T EVEN COVER.I JUST WANT TO BE CAREFUL WITH THAT.
I THINK THESE ARE ALL EXCELLENT RECOMMENDATIONS.
MOST OF ALL I WOULD SAY YES WE ARE IN NEED OF.
BUT REALITY IS I KNOW THAT WE HAVE HAD A BUDGET THAT'S BEEN PROVIDED THAT IS TRYING TO PICK, GIVE A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING TO EVERYONE, KIND OF ASK A LITTLE FOR SOMETHING AND EVERYONE GET A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE DEPARTMENT BUT LET ME STATE TIME AND TIME AGAIN, THIS COURT HAS ALWAYS PUT EVERY OTHER DEPARTMENT IN AN ELECTED OFFICE AHEAD OF OUR OWN PRIORITIES.
AND I WILL DEBATE YOU TO THE END ON THAT.
BECAUSE THERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF POSITIONS THAT WE HAVE ASKED FOR, THAT WE END UP SAYING YOU KNOW WHAT WE CAN'T AFFORD IT.
COME IN WALKING IN ON BUDGET DAY, AND WE SAY YOU KNOW WHAT, IT'S JUST SOMETHING THAT'S NOT FEASIBLE, WE CANNOT AFFORD THAT ITEM. AND SO WE HAVE MADE A LOT OF SACRIFICES TO HELP THE BETTERMENT OF THE COURT RUN MORE EFFICIENTLY. SO I THINK THIS IS ALL GREAT BUT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HOW EFFICIENT WE CAN BE IN PRESENTING THIS. MAYBE THERE ARE VOTES TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN AND IF SO HEY, I'M IN FAVOUR LIKE I SAID MOST OF THIS. BUT I WOULD RATHER HEAR WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY, JUDGE AND GO FROM THERE.
IF NOT, WE COULD GET STUCK HERE FOREVER.
THAT'S MY PROBLEM. STUCK HERE ALL DAY.
>> THIS WHOLE PROPOSED BUDGET THAT THE BUDGET OFFICE AND MY TEAM HAS WORKED ON HAS A TOTAL OF $2,000,665.
IF WE DO THE CURRENT TAX RATE, THE MONEY WE WOULD RECEIVE IS $2,000,599, IT WOULD BE ONLY 60,000 OVER WHAT WE WOULD COLLECT IF WE KEPT OUR TAX RATE THE SAME.
THE TOP PART, IF I START JUST DO SECTIONS, IT'S ARCOLA, THE COUNTY FOREVER. DON'T HAVE A CHOICE.
PEOPLE UP FOR ARCOLA AND 3% ON FOURTH YEAR, LESS THAN 1% WHAT ARCOLA AT THE COUNTY. GENERAL GOVERNMENT, LET ME SAY WE CHANGED THE COMMISSIONERS COURT TRAVEL TO WHERE IT IS THE SAME. FOR SOME REASON HAD DIFFERENT NUMBERS AND IT SHOULD BE THE SAME ACROSS THE BOARD.
THE COUNTY JUDGE TRAVEL WE ADDED THAT IN.
THE PEOPLE FROM THE BUDGET OFFICE GO TO TRAINING.
I PAY FOR MY OWN TRAVEL. THIS IS NOT FOR THE COUNTY JUDGE. I HAVE NEVER CHARGED FOR TRAVEL SINCE I HAVE BEEN HERE. THE EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO MY OFFICE, THEY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN SALARIED.
THE ONLY INCREASE THAT WOULD BE CHANGING HER TO SALARY IS THE CAR ALLOWANCE AT 2,000. WE ARE ASKING FOR A PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, BUT WE ARE DELETING A BUDGET ANALYSIS ONE.
SO THE PUBLIC INFORMATION MEDIA OFFICER WOULD ANSWER TO THE ENTIRE COURT. THIS IS A COURT POSITION.
IT IS NOT THE COUNTY JUDGE, WELL THEY ARE DIRECTLY UNDER ME LIKE DEPARTMENT HEADS AND EVERYTHING, THIS WOULD BE THE COMMISSIONERS COURT PUBLIC INFORMATION MEDIA OFFICER BUT DELETING A POSITION TO TAKE CARE OF IT JUST LIKE WE ASK ALL OF OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS AND EVERYONE ELSE TO DO. WE ARE ASKING FOR A TEMPORARY BUDGET. WE HAVE HAD TWO OF THE COMMISSIONERS ONLY STAFF OUT WITH SERIOUS ACCIDENTS OR ILLNESS OR SOMETHING, AND WE HAVE NEVER HAD A TEMPORARY BUDGET TO GET TEMPORARY STAFF IN.
ALL THE OTHER STAFF IS TRYING TO MAKE UP AND DURING THIS BUDGET TIME, IT HAS BEEN A LITTLE BIT DIFFICULT TO DO THAT.
NOT SURE WE'LL UTILIZE THAT. WE HOPE THAT WE NEVER HAVE PEOPLE OUT. BUT A TEMPORARY BUDGETS TO HAVE SOMEONE IN YOUR OFFICE TO ANSWER YOUR PHONES OR E-MAILS WE FELT NECESSARY. WES LAW WE HAVE TO DO.
WITH COUNTY ATTORNEY ASKED FOR FOUR POSITIONS.
I CALLED AND ASKED WHAT TOP PRIORITIES.
THE TWO SHE HAD AT THE TOP PRIORITY, THE LEGAL SECRETARY AND ATTORNEY III. SO WE PUT THAT IN BUDGET.
WORKED WITH US THE LAST THREE YEARS AND ALL OF OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS HAVE WORKED WITH US FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS WITH VERY DIFFICULT BUDGETS. THERE IS SOME TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR IS A NEGATIVE. IT, THE INCREASE IN IT DEPARTMENT. WE GAVE EVERYONE LAST YEAR WHEN WE HAD THE AUDITOR COME IN, WE GAVE EVERYONE UNTIL THE END OF DECEMBER TO GET THEIR OFFICES IN SHAPE AND HIRE THEIR PEOPLE, AND WHAT THEY WERE NEEDED. WE DIDN'T HIRE THE IT DIRECTOR UNTIL THE END OF DECEMBER OR JANUARY.
I THINK SHE DIDN'T COME ON UNTIL JANUARY WHEN HIRED DIDN'T HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVAMP HER OFFICE.
SO WE GAVE HER ALL OF THE STUFF THAT SHE NEEDS AND PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER. AND I BELIEVE COMMISSIONER PUSLEY WORKED WITH HER QUITE A BIT ON THAT.
THE COUNTY AUDITOR HAD SOME PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, BUT
[01:10:06]
TEMPORARY SALARY OF 5,000. VETERANS SERVICES.WE HAD WREATHS FOR FALLEN HEROES, HAD AN EMPLOYEE WHO GETS CERTIFIED JUST LIKE ALL OF THEIR EMPLOYEES ARE CROSS CERTIFIED FOR EVERYTHING THEY CAN DO FOR DISABLED VETERANS AND APPLICATIONS AND THINGS. SO SHE HAD TO DELETE S -- BE MOVED UP FOR HER CAR ALLOWANCE TO TRAVEL AND GO TAKE CARE OF PEOPLE. WE REDUCED OUR CONTINGENCY BY A MILLION AND A HALF. OUR CONTINGENCY IN NEXT YEAR'S BUDGET IS GOING TO BE 4.5 MILLION ONLY.
LAST YEAR IT WAS 6. AND LET ME BE CLEAR WE DON'T SPEND THAT. THAT IS TRULY CONTINGENCY.
BUT WE HAVE TO HAVE IT BECAUSE THE COUNTY CAN'T GO IN LIKE A MUNICIPALITY AND CHANGE OUR BUDGET IN THE MIDDLE OF THE YEAR UNLESS THERE IS A DISASTER OR SEVERE -- SOMETHING WE COULDN'T HAVE PLANNED FOR, WE HAVE TO HAVE IT IN OUR BUDGET AND THAT'S WHY WE KEEP OUR CONTINGENCY A LITTLE BIT HIGH AND WE REALLY DON'T PLAN TO SPEND IT, HOPE WE NEVER HAVE TO SPEND IT BUT THAT'S WHY WE PUT IT THERE. AND THE PARKS MAINTENANCE AND REPAYER, THEIR FUEL, CREATED A DEPARTMENT AND GAVE EDWARD THEPERSON -- INCREASED THE SALARY FOR THE DIRECTOR SPLASH PADS, SOMEONE TO CHECK THOSE POLES AND DO.
HIS REQUESTS WERE MET AS WELL. WE ALSO FELT LIKE WITH THE PARKER POLE WE NEEDED TO GO AHEAD INSTEAD OF PIECEMEALING WITH FRIENDS OF THE AQUATICS AND STUFF, IF THOSE EMPLOYEES, IF THEY ARE TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES, THE POOL WORKERS THEY NEED TO BE TEMPORARY WORKERS OF THE COUNTY INSTEAD OF THIS GOING BACK AND FORTH AND THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE WORKED WITH US ON THAT AND CONSTANCE WORKED TO HELP COME UP WITH BUDGET.
I THINK WE HAVE 125 IN HERE. THERE WAS ALREADY 50 IN THERE FOR CHEMICALS AND SUPPLIES. AND SO THAT WILL MAKE IT LIKE 175. I THOUGHT IT WAS 180 FOR SOME REASON IN OUR BUDGET BOOK. I REMEMBER THAT NUMBER FOR SOME REASON. THESE TWO NEXT ONES, ANNUAL REQUIRED COSTS. NUECES COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT INCREASE AND THE RADIOS AND MAINTENANCE DAILY WELLS THINGS WE GET INVOICED FOR. DON'T HAVE A CHOICE IN THOSE.
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES, HERE IS WHERE WE THOUGHT BUILDINGS ARE GOING TO BE BUILDINGS. THERE ARE SOME THAT HAVE AMOUNTS. THERE WERE SMALL REQUESTS FOR THE COUNTY BUILDINGS. RONNIE HALSTON BUILDING, THOSE KIND OF THINGS WE INCLUDED THEM IN BUT THE BUILDINGS WILL ALL GO UNDER OUR BUILDINGS AND MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR.
IF IT'S A BUILDING SHOULD BE ABLE TO CALL ONE DEPARTMENT AND GET AN ANSWER. NOTHING TO TAKE AWAY FROM EDWARD. WE JUST FELT JUST AS WITH ROADS, IF IT IS A COUNTY ROAD IT'S A ROAD.
IF IT'S A BUILDING IT'S A BUILDING.
PARK BUILDING IF RESTROOM AT A PARK OR SOMETHING THAT'S NOT A BUILDING. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT BUILDINGS THAT ARE UTILIZED. NOT A CONCESSION STAND.
BUT BUILDINGS ARE BUILDINGS. PARKS ARE PARKS.
INCREASING THE CAPITAL OUTLAY. WE INCREASED THAT --
>> I'M SORRY, JUDGE. CAN I ASK A QUESTION.
>> YES. >> AS WE GO THROUGH THIS.
>> ABSOLUTELY. >> SO ARE YOU ADVOCATING WE ARE GOING TO HIRE A BUILDING SUPERINTENDENT?
>> WE HAVE A BUILDING SUPERINTENDENT ALREADY HERE AT THE COURTHOUSE. THIS WILL GO UNDER THEM UNLESS ONE CHOOSES TO CHANGE THAT, DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT.
>> WHO IS THE BUILDING SUPERINTENDENT.
>> JUAN IS THE SUPERVISOR AND BOBBY WORKS UNDER JUAN.
>> BUILDINGS WOULD ALL GO UNDERNEATH JUAN AT PUBLIC WORKS.
OKAY. AND THAT WOULD INCLUDE ALL
SENIOR CITIZENS BUILDINGS. >> ALL BUILDINGS, YES.
>> THANK YOU, I'M SORRY. >> DOWN HERE IF YOU SEE THE DECREASE IN THE TRANSFER TO THE SHERIFF, WE ARE GIVING HIM THE MAINTENANCE CREW THAT HE ASKED FOR.
AND THESE ARE OPEN POSITIONS AT PUBLIC WORKS.
WE ARE JUST MOVING THEM TO THE SHERIFF AND THEN WE HAVE TO MOVE AND UP WE WORKED WITH HIM ON THE AMOUNT TO PULL FROM HIS BUDGET
TO GIVE -- >> WHERE ARE YOU AT?
>> IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE MIDDLE OF ITEM NUMBER 4, 600,000 BUILDING SUPERINTENDENT, MAINTENANCE AND TRANSFER TO THE SHERIFF IS 600,000. THAT NUMBER CAME FROM JUAN'S OFFICE. HE WORKED WITH US ON THE AMOUNT THAT WE COULD START. NOW THIS IS A NEW THING DOING, SO THESE THINGS MAY CHANGE A BIT NEXT YEAR OR SOMETHING.
BUT THIS IS A START FOR THE MAINTENANCE CREW TO HAVE A
[01:15:01]
BUDGET TO WORK IN OUR JAILS. OTHER THAN WHAT THEY HAVE ALREADY DONE, JAIL HAS A LITTLE BIT OF MAINTENANCE MONEY IN SOMEOF OTHER BUDGETS TOO. >> WHERE IS THE FAIRGROUNDS UNDER THIS? BUILDING MAINTENANCE.
>> THE FAIRGROUNDS HAS A CONTRACT WITH THEIR DEAL.
TRACY DO YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE FAIRGROUNDS A LITTLE BIT SINCE THAT'S -- YEAH.
>> FOR THE FAIRGROUNDS ANY IMPROVEMENTS OR CAPITAL EXPENDITURES FUNDED WHEN WE FINALIZE THE CAPITAL PROJECTS, ANY ADDITIONAL NEEDS THAT ARE THERE IT WILL BE FUNDED WITH THE
CEOS. >> I GET THAT BUT THE PROBLEM IS WE STILL DON'T HAVE SOMEBODY WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT
BUILDING. >> IT WOULD STILL FALL UNDER PUBLIC WORKS. IT'S STILL --
>> IT WOULD -- ALL BUILDINGS WILL BE UNDER
BUILDINGS. >> WHY IS IT NOT LISTED HERE?
>> BECAUSE THEY HAVE A CONTRACT FOR THEIR -- THEY HAVE A CONTRACT AND WHATEVER IS LEFT OVER, THEY HAVE A CERTAIN AMOUNT THEY HAVE TO SPEND ON IT. SO IT'S NOT LIKE IS THERE A
MAINTENANCE BUDGET. >> YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT OVG?
>> YES. >> SO THEY HAVE A CONTRACT TO PROVIDE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF THE REVENUE THEY TAKE IN TOWARD THE
BUILDING MAINTENANCE. >> THEY HAVE TO SPEND SO MUCH
MONEY A YEAR ON IT, DON'T THEY. >> DO WE KNOW WHAT THAT IS.
DO WE HAVE THE PERCENTAGE? >> ANYTHING OVER $5,000, THE
COUNTY HAS TO COVER. >> ANY KIND OF BUILDING
MAINTENANCE OVER $5,000. >> I THOUGHT THERE WAS ANOTHER FEE YOU TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD USE THEIR MONEY FOR.
>> WELL, THEY HAVE A CAPITAL BUDGET AS WELL.
>> THAT'S WHAT I MEANT. >> GOES DOWN TO THE BUILDING, THE REPAIRS BUDGET, THEY HAVE A CAPITAL EXPENSE BUDGET AS WELL.
>> DO WE KNOW WHAT THAT IS? >> LET ME SEE.
>> 36500 BUDGETED THIS YEAR FOR THEM TO UTILIZE.
IS THAT COMING OUT OF THEIR MONEY? OR IS IT COMING OUT OF OUR TRANSFERS IN FOR THEIR BUDGET?
>> THAT WHOLE DEPARTMENT IS FUNDED THROUGH THE COUNTY.
THE MILLION DOLLARS TRANSFER IN. IT'S INCLUDED IN THEIR OVERALL
BUDGET. >> PART OF THE MILLION DOLLARS THAT WE SEND OVER THERE EVERY YEAR TO SUPPORT THE FAIRGROUNDS, THAT 36500 IS GOING TO COME OUT OF THAT MILLION?
IT'S THEIR BUDGET. >> AND THEN ANY OTHER BIG REPAIRS OR ANYTHING WE HAVE HAD WE HAVE HAD TO COME IN AND WE HAVE HAD TO UTILIZE WHATEVER FUNDS WE COULD FIND THAT WERE NECESSARY, DEPENDING ON THE COST.
>> OKAY. >> MY CONCERN IS WE -- THIS MAY BE TRUE FOR ALL OUR BUILDINGS. AND MAYBE WE NEED TO CORRECT THIS UNDER THIS NEW GUIDELINE, IS WE OUGHT TO HAVE A SCHEDULE OF REQUIRED MAINTENANCE FOR EVERY FACILITY IN THIS COUNTY.
WE MAY IN REALITY LIKE COMMISSIONER MAREZ SAYS, MAY IN REALITY NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO DO SOME OF THOSE THINGS.
BUT WE SHOULD HAVE A LIST OF ITEMS THAT WE PUT TOGETHER EVERY YEAR WITH RESPECT TO BUILDING MAINTENANCE THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE ON THIS BUILDING, THE FAIRGROUNDS, WHEREVER.
>> AGREE. >> JUST CONCERNED THAT WE DON'T
LOOK AT THAT. >> WE DON'T PLAN FOR ANY OF OUR BUILDINGS JUST LIKE OUR ELEVATOR COST, THESE BUILDINGS, THE ELEVATOR GOING DOWN, YES, THAT IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING WE SHOULD DO AND SHOULD SCHEDULE OUT TO WHERE WE AT LEAST HAVE AN IDEA OF WHAT THAT BUDGET MIGHT BE, YEAH.
>> I THINK WITH ONE DIRECTOR BECOMING RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THE BUILDINGS THAT THAT CAN BE EASILY DONE BECAUSE HE WILL HAVE TO GO IN AND MANAGE ALL THE BUILDINGS AND LOOK AT THE MAINTENANCE AND DO THAT PROJECTION.
>> OKAY. >> ONE QUICK QUESTION WHILE WE ARE TALKING ABOUT MAINLY -- WELL THE FAIRGROUNDS CAME UP.
WHEN IS THE CONTRACT DUE ON THAT AGAIN? WHEN DO WE NOVA SCOTIA THAT. ANYONE KNOW OFF THE TOP OF THEIR
HEAD. >> WE RENEWED A COUPLE OF MONTHS
AGO FOR ONE MORE YEAR. >> WE ARE UP.
>> ONE YEAR. >> EXTENDED IT ONE YEAR.
>> EXTENDED ONE YEAR, THAT'S RIGHT, OKAY, THANK YOU.
>> THEN GOING DOWN TO ITEM 6 ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE, THE COURT REPORTER INCREASES REQUESTED BY THE DISTRICT COURT JUDGES. UP THERE THEY DO HAVE A PROBLEM RETAINING -- I KNOW WE HAVE ONE OF OUR COUNTY COURT LAW JUDGES HERS HAS LEFT AND WENT TO CLAYBURN COUNTY I BELIEVE, AND SHE IS HAVING A VERY HARD TIME GETTING A COURT
[01:20:04]
REPORTER FOR HER COURT AND THE SCHEDULING HAS BEEN BAD.WE DID HAVE IN THERE WEAPONS COURT POSITION.
I BELIEVE THEY APPLIED FOR GRANT.
THEY WERE DENIED. BUT THIS HAD ALREADY BEEN STARTED. SO IT'S ONE OF THE OTHER THINGS THAT HAPPENS WHEN WE START THESE THINGS WITH GRANTS, THEN IT COMES BACK TO COST US THE COUNTY BUT IT'S A GOOD THING.
IT'S SOMETHING THAT WE FELT WAS NECESSARY TO INCLUDE.
JUVENILE PROBATION SERVICES, 55,000 FOR MONITORS AND IT IS LIKE WE COULDN'T DO IT JUST IN A CAPITAL PURCHASE BECAUSE IT'S FOR MONITORING THE MONITORS TOO. IT'S A SERVICE FEE OR SOMETHING.
LET ME BE CLEAR. WHAT I WAS THINKING WE HAD A LOT OF DISCUSSIONS, CORRECT ME, LADIES, IF I'M WRONG.
THE JP COURTS, CLOSING DOWN AS OF JANUARY 1ST, JP 1, 2 SANTANA. HE HAS FOUR POSITION THERE IS, TWO LADIES ARE RETIRING FROM THAT OFFICE.
JUDGE BENEVITAS ASKED FOR ONE OR TWO, AND OTHERS.
MY PLAN TO GIVE ONE TO EACH OF THEM.
JUDGE RODRIGUEZ DECIDED TO KEEP APPROVED PERSON, A GRANT APPROVED JUVENILE CASE MANAGER FOR THAT POSITION AND JUDGE BENOVITAS GET ONE, RUBIO GET ONE, WOLSELEY GET ONE SALARY SAVINGS FROM THE OTHER POSITION FROM THE LADY THAT IS RETIRING.
WITH JUDGE BENEV AT THE SAME TIME S HAS TALKED TO MANY OF YOU. MY POSITION TO BE FAIR TO ALL ELECTIVES ASKING FOR THINGS. I KNOW HE NEEDS SPACE.
HIS OFFICE IS CRAMPED. I HAD JUAN GO AND LOOK AT HIS SCOFFS SEE WHAT WE COULD DO WITH JUDGE SANTANA'S OFFICE, GIVE A PORTION OF SANTANA'S OFFICE. I DON'T HAVE A PICTURE.
I CAN SEND TO ALL OF YOU IF YOU ARE OKAY WITH THAT.
ALSO GIVING THE OTHER PORTION TO CONSTABLE DOR.
AND MOVE HIM NEXT TOWARD TO JUDGE BENOVITAS SAFETY ASPECT AS WELL HAVING YOUR CONSTABLE RIGHT THERE, THE BAILIFF FOR ALL OF HIS COURTS AND PEOPLE IN AND OUT OF THERE, ONE OTHER THING THAT JUDGE BENOVITAS TALKED ABOUT SAFETY THE OPEN AIR -- AREA AS YOU COME IN. THAT WAS MY THOUGHT PROCESS IN
IT. >> SO THAT WOULD FREE UP THE AREA WHERE CONSTABLE DORE IS RIGHT NOW.
>> YES. BUT NONE COULD HAPPEN UNTIL JANUARY 1 BECAUSE JUDGE SANTANA IS IN OFFICE UNTIL JANUARY 1.
SOME OF THESE SALARIES -- A PORTION THIS YEAR AND NEXT YEAR FULL SALARY ALLOTTED BECAUSE THOSE EMPLOYEES ARE STILL
DOWNSTAIRS RIGHT NOW. >> ANY POSSIBILITY, I MEAN, IT HAS BEEN DON'T WANT TO EXAGGERATE CLOSER TO 20 YEARS, HAS BEEN MAYBE 10 OR 15 YEARS SINCE THE LAST TIME WE WITHDREW FOR JUSTICE OF THE PEACE AND CONSTABLES.
THE POPULATION CENTERS ARE IN CONSTANTLY IN FLUX AND AT LEAST EVERY TEN YEARS GET A GOOD IDEA OF WHERE WE ARE AT.
I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S THE COURT'S APPETITE TO TACKLE THAT.
OBVIOUSLY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO DO THAT RIGHT NOW THIS YEAR.
BUT MAYBE WITHIN THE NEXT YEARLE REDRAW SOME OF THOSE LINES BECAUSE I THINK SOME OF THE POPULATIONS HAVE MOVED.
AND I WOULD RATHER TRY TO CREATE COURTS THAT ARE MORE BALANCED WITH THEIR NUMBERS RATHER THAN JUST FEED ONE THAT'S VERY DENSE THAN MORE WIDER SPREAD AND STILL NEED ADDITIONAL STAFF BECAUSE IT'S A BIGGER AREA TO COVER. SO JUST THROWING THAT OUT THERE.
NOT ASKING TO TAKE ACTION BUT MAYBE SOMETHING FOR THE COURT TO CONSIDER. MAYBE GOING INTO THE NEW YEAR.
>> I THINK THAT'S A GREAT IDEA. >> DO WE KNOW WHEN WE CAN LEGALLY DO THAT, OR WHAT IS THE PROCESS? I WOULDN'T OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD.
CAN YOU CHECK ON THAT. >> WHAT WAS THE LAST FINAL
>> DRAW -- >> JUST TO LOOK AT REDRAWING THE LINES. HAVEN'T DONE JP.
DID THE COURT AS MANDATED TO DO IN 2021 IN NOVEMBER OF '21 AND BROUGHT UP WHAT ABOUT JPS AND CONSTABLES, SO FOCUSED HAVING TO REDRAW OUR LINES AND WE ARE NOT REQUIRED, AND I BELIEVE YOU ARE
LOUD TO CHANGE THEM AT ANY TIME. >> THAT'S WHAT I ASKED HER TO
CHECK. >> WAIT FOUR MORE YEARS.
[01:25:01]
MAYBE WE WAIT FOUR MORE YEARS IT'S NOT WORTH IT.BY THEN 20 YEARS THAT HAS CHANGED.
AND I WORRY BECAUSE THE RESOURCES WE ARE MOVING AROUND COULD MAYBE BE DON'T WANT TO SAY SIMPLY FIXED MAYBE JUSTIFICATION TO GIVE MORE CLERKS IN CERTAIN PRECINCTS OVER OTHERS.
I KNOW THE JUDGE IS TRYING TO BE FAIR --
>> WE WENT BY ALSO THE NUMBER OF CASES THAT KIND OF STUFF AND THEY HAD BEEN ASKING. DIDN'T JUST GIVE ONE BECAUSE THEY ASKED FOR IT BY ALL MEANS, YES.
>> THAT'S A GOOD POINT. I THINK IF YOU ARE GOING TO DO THAT NEED TO LOOK AT THESE CASE LOADS TOO BECAUSE I THINK NO OFFENCE NOT GOING TO SIGNAL ANYONE OUT BUT I THINK INFLATION ON THESE CASE NUMBERS BECAUSE JPS NEED TO CLEAR OUT THEIR CASES. THEY NEED TO DROP CASES THAT ARE SITTING THERE. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF CASES THAT AREN'T REALLY OPEN. AND THAT'S REALLY MESSING WITH
THE NUMBERS. >> WASN'T GOING TO GO THERE BUT
PART OF THE PROBLEM. >> NEEDS TO HAPPEN.
UNFAIR TO EVALUATE WHEN SOMEONE SAYS WE HAVE 10,000, YOU HAVE 7,000 THAT YOU COULD DROP AND NOT DOING IT BECAUSE THEY WANT TO KEEP THEIR NUMBERS UP OR WHATEVER, JUST DON'T WANT TO DROP THEM. I THINK HAVE TO LOOK WHOLE
THING. >> COMPARE APPLES TO APPLES.
>> I DON'T THINK WE ARE GETTING THE RIGHT NUMBERS ON THOSE JP NUMBERS. WHEN I WENT IN TO COUNTY COURT 5, I HAD A GUZILLION OPEN CASES. THE JUDGE OF A COURT LIKE THE JP ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS HAVE A DROP DOCKET AND DROP CASES THAT ARE NOT VALID. I DROPPED HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF CASE INSIDE THAT COURT THAT SAT IDOL FOR EVER. THESE CAN DO THE SAME THING.
THEY ARE NOT DOING THEM. DON'T HAVE TO WAIT ON ANYBODY.
THEY ARE THE MASTER OR MISTRESS OF THAT COURT.
ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS HAVE DROP DOCKETS AND IF PEOPLE DON'T SHOW UP THOSE CASES GET DROPPED. NUMBERS IN THIS COUNTY ON JPS ARE OVERINFLATED AND MAKING DECISIONS FINANCIALLY ON THINGS THAT AREN'T ACCURATE AND THAT'S NOT FAIR TO THIS COURT, AND THAT'S NOT FAIR TO THIS COMMUNITY THAT SOME OF THESE JPS DON'T WANT TO COME IN AND HAVE DROP DOCK ET CETERA.
DON'T WANT TO DO IT BECAUSE THEY WANT THEIR CASES TO LOOK LIKE A LIKE THEY HAVE THOUSANDS OF CASES THAT THEY DON'T REALLY HAVE. THROW MY TWO CENTS I THINK YOU
ARE RIGHT LOOKING AT REDOING IT. >> YOU CAN MAKE A ROSTER LIKE WE DID. MAKE A ROSTER OF ALL THE CASES THAT CANNOT BE -- HAVE NO IDENTIFICATIONS, NO SOCIALS, CAN'T BRING TO COURT TO BEGIN WITH, AND SIGN OFF OF IT 5,000
EXPUNGED AT THAT TIME. >> OR JUST DROP THE CASE.
DON'T HAVE TO WAIT FOR ANYBODY TO SIGN OFF.
>> I THINK JP HAS TO BE SIGNED OFF.
>> NO JUDGE CAN HAVE A DROP DOCKET.
>> I HAD A MEETING WITH THE DA AND HE WAS AT THE TABLE AND HE SAID NO, SIR YOU ARE A JUDGE YOU CAN DROP CASES.
>> YES, IT IS BUT THEY WON'T DO IT AND NOT ALL OF THEM.
>> NOBODY WANTS TO HAVE THAT -- ELECTED OFFICIAL VERSUS THAT.
IDENTIFIERS HOW BRING THEM TO COURT.
>> CALL A DROP DOCKET SEND OUT NOTICE IF THEY DON'T SHOW UP
THAT CASE IS DROPPED. >> DON'T HAVE IDENTIFIERS CAN'T
EVEN CALL THEM IN. >> MOVING ON.
>> COULD I MAKE A COMMENT TOO PLEASE.
SO, YEAH, I THINK THAT'S A GREAT IDEA.
THE LAST TIME WE DID ANY CHANGES TO JP AND CONSTABLE BOUNDARIES WAS IN 2010, AND THERE WERE JUST A FEW OF THEM.
WE MADE A SLIGHT CHANGE IN. BUT WE ALSO BROUGHT UP THIS ISSUE THAT NEXT YEAR ABOUT THE CASES THAT WERE BEING CARRIED AND IN FACT (INAUDIBLE) BROUGHT TO OUR ATTENTION AND SAID YOU HAVE TO CLEAN HOUSE BECAUSE SHOWING YOU HAVE POTENTIAL FOR THAT'S NOT REALLY THERE.
AND SO LANDBARGER PROVIDED AN EMPLOYEE TO GO JP COURT BY JP COURT AND HELP US GO THROUGH ALL OF THOSE AND GET RID OF THE CASES THAT NEEDED TO BE GOTTEN RID OF.
AND WE HAVEN'T DONE IT SINCE THEN.
>> OKAY. >> LET YOU ALL KNOW THAT NEXT YEAR MARCH, APRIL YOU ARE REQUIRED TO LOOK AT ALL THE VOTING PRECINCT AND TO ASSESS THEM.
THERE WILL BE SOME OVER 5,000 REGISTERED VOTERS AND YOU WILL NEED TO SPLIT. SO SOMETHING TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN YOU DO THAT, MAYBE YOU CAN JUST DRAW LINES AT THE SAME
TIME. >> YOU ARE GOING TO LET US ON
THAT THOUGH RIGHT? >> NOTICE REQUIREMENTS AND CORRESPONDING ELECTION REQUIREMENTS AND THINGS LIKE THAT THAT WILL GET YOU AN ADVISORY ON.
>> THANK YOU. >> MOVING ON DOWN COUPLE OF MINIMUM REQUESTS. MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE.
I DID WANT TO TALK ABOUT THIS. DID APPROVE THEIR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, OTHER SERVICES AND CHARGES THEY REQUESTED.
WE DID NOT GIVE THEM EVERYTHING AND RECLASSES, THEY WANTED --
[01:30:07]
THEY WANTED VEHICLES. THEY ALSO -- AND I'M NOT SURE IF THAT GOT APPROVED OR NOT BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE THE VEHICLE LIST IN HERE. BUT THEY DID NOT WANT TO TAKE AWAY THEIR VEHICLE SALARY. SO I THINK THEY DECIDED AGAINST THAT. THERE ARE BUDGETS FOR THAT.AND THE REASON WE DIDN'T DO THE RECLASSES HERE, WE DIDN'T REALLY DO RECLASSES FOR ANY OF OUR DEPARTMENT HEADS BECAUSE WE GAVE THE INCREASE LAST YEAR, AND BECAUSE I KIND OF HEARD SOME RINNINGS THAT THERE MAY POTENTIALLY BEEN AECO LA FOR ALL OF OUR EMPLOYEES THIS YEAR. I LEFT AT Y'ALL'S DISCRETION.
I WAS FOCUSED ON TRYING TO TAKE CARE OF THE OTHER THINGS ON THIS BUDGET. WHEN WE DELETED THE CHIEF DEPUTY MEDICAL EXAMINER, WE ARE DELETING THE CHIEF DEPUTY MEDICAL EXAMINER, WHEN WE WENT DOWN TO ONE MEDICAL EXAMINER NO INTENTION TO DO THE TWO. THE REASON WE CUT THE OUT OF COUNTY. WE WEREN'T WAITING TO FILL THAT POSITION. WANTED TO MAKE SURE THE PERSON TAKING THE JOB FOR SIX MONTHS SHE WOULD BE ABLE TO HANDLE IT AND WHAT I LATER FOUND OUT SHE IS DOING AN EXCELLENT JOB, WE HAVE A GREAT MEDICAL EXAMINER OVER THERE.
THEY HAVE GOTTEN A BRAND NEW BUILDING.
GOTTEN A LOT OF THINGS THIS YEAR.
I WAS TRYING TO FOCUS ON SOME OTHER PEOPLE THAT WEREN'T GETTING THINGS. NOTHING AGAINST THEM.
I THINK ALL OF OUR DEPARTMENTS DO.
WE ARE FOCUSED ON OUR EMPLOYEES THIS YEAR.
WE THINK THEY DO A GREAT JOB FOR US.
WE ARE ONLY AS GOOD AS THE PEOPLE WE PUT OUT THERE DOING THE WORK FOR US, THANK YOU ALL IF YOU ARE LISTENING OR LOOKING DO APPRECIATE YOU, COULDN'T DO OUR JOBS WITHOUT YOU.
LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CORRECTIONS, RECLASSIFICATIONS HERE, THESE ARE ELECTED OFFICIALS AND THEY WERE PRETTY MUCH BASICALLY ZERO.
THEY WERE DELETING A POSITION, AND DOING SOMETHING ELSE.
THERE WAS NO COSTING. I THINK 2,000 FOR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE OVERTIME EXPENSE, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS.
I DON'T HAVE THAT IN FRONT OF ME.
I NEED THAT NUMBER. PAGE NUMBER IS -- WE PUT ON THE BACK HERE THE PAGE NUMBERS FOR THESE THINGS AS WELL.
PAGE 91 IN YOUR BUDGET BOOK IF YOU HAVE IT.
THESE ARE THE THINGS THAT WE AGREED UPON.
AND THE SALARIES. OFFICE EXPENSE 20,000 INCREASE.
VEHICLES, MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, EVERYBODY IS TALKING ABOUT THEIR VEHICLE EXPENSE BEING MORE. OTHER SERVICES, AND CHARGES.
THE INCREASE THERE. AND ON THE RIGHT OF MY PAGE IF YOU HAVE YOUR BUDGET BOOK, IT WILL SHOW YOU WHAT PAGE TO GO THROUGH TO LOOK FOR THAT. CONSTABLE MINDOZA, HE ASKED FOR TRAVEL AND SOME OTHER THINGS, A COUPLE OF INCREASES IN HIS REGULAR BUDGET BUT THE BIG THING FOR HIM WAS THAT RESOURCE OFFICER THAT THE SCHOOL HAD BEEN UTILIZING AND THE SCHOOL WE WERE INVOICING THE SCHOOL, THE SCHOOL WANTED TO CUT BACK AND ONLY PAY FOR THE RESOURCE OFFICER DURING THE DAYS THAT SCHOOL IS OPEN.
SO I THINK IT WAS LIKE 170 DAYS. REMEMBERING THE NUMBERS EVEN.
SO WE HAD TO COME UP WITH THE OTHER HALF OF THAT, AND HE WILL BE WORKING FOR THE CONSTABLE AT HIS DISCRETION BUT ONLY DURING THE SCHOOL DAYS WILL HE BE WORKING AT THE SCHOOL AND WORKING FOR THEM. SOCIAL SERVICES.
THE 40,000 WE JUST INCREASED FOR THE BURIALS, THAT'S A STATUTORY REQUIREMENT. WE HAVE NO CHOICE IN THAT.
>> JAY: JJ BROUGHT IT TO OUR ATTENTION.
INSTEAD OF 160,000 LAST YEAR IT WILL MOVE UP TO 200,000 NEXT YEAR. WE HOPE THAT YOU NEVER HAVE TO USE THESE OR DO THIS BUT WE UNDERSTAND THAT'S A STATUTORY REQUIREMENT OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICES, THAT WAS OUR FOOD SUPPLIES, COSTS WENT UP FOR EVERYBODY. COSTS WENT UP IN JAIL FOR THEIR FOOD SPLICE. PRETTY STANDARD THING RIGHT NOW THAT WE ARE FACING WITH EVERYONE.
HILLTOP COMMUNITY SERVICE. THERE WAS SOME OFFICE EXPENSE, SOCIAL MENTAL SERVICES. THIS IS OUR COURT APPOINTED ATTORNEYS. THERE WAS A LITTLE BIT THAT WE WERE SHORT. THEY WERE RUNNING OVER.
I THINK. SO WE INCREASED THAT OR MOVED TO A DIFFERENT LINE ONE OR THE OTHER.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT -- >> JUDGE, I WANTED TO CAPTURE ON SECTION 8 SOCIAL SERVICES. WE HAVE J.J. HERE.
YOU AND YOUR TEAM HAVE DONE AMAZING WORK.
I MEAN, ALWAYS HERE. GREAT THINGS THAT YOU ARE ALL DOING MORE WITH LESS AT A POINT WHERE THE COURT THOUGHT ELIMINATING SOCIAL SERVICES ALL TOGETHER WAS A STEP THAT HAD TO
[01:35:02]
BE MADE. THANKFULLY THAT WAS WALKED BACK.AND AT LEAST FUNDED HALF OF THAT STAFF.
HOW IS IT WORKING FOR YOU COMBINING VETERAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SERVICES TOGETHER? IS ONE MISSING OUT FOR THE ATTENTION FOR THE OTHER OR FOUND A GOOD BLEND BETWEEN YOU AND
YOUR STAFF? >> IN HONESTY I THINK GOING REALLY WELL. IN VETERAN SERVICES WE DO SOCIAL SERVICES. WHEN WE MEET WITH VETERANS WE ADDRESS THE NEED OF THE VETERAN. IF THERE IS -- IF THEY NEED HELP WITH UTILITIES, IF THEY NEED HELP WITH ANYTHING ELSE, OUR SOCIAL WORKERS HAVE BEEN TRAINED TO BE VSOS, ACCREDITED BY THE STATE OF TEXAS AND THE VA NOW.
DO BOTH AT THE SAME TIME. ALWAYS DO THAT AS VSOS BUT CAN BLEND TOGETHER AND FIND THAT RESOURCE FOR THE VETERAN.
I THINK HAS GOING REALLY WELL. COULD ALWAYS USE ANOTHER ONE.
GREAT DECISION BECAUSE WE WORK HAND IN HAND ANYWAY TO MAKE THAT VETERAN FULFILLED WITH THE NEEDS OF THE VETERAN.
I THINK IT HAS BEEN GOING REALLY WELL.
>> WHAT ABOUT THOSE THAT ARE NOT VETERANS.
JUST DOWN ON THEIR LUCK, HAVE NO LITTLE TO NO ASSISTANCE IN HELPING THEM CONNECT TO THOSE SOCIAL SERVICES.
ARE YOU STILL ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR THEM?
>> UNFORTUNATELY NOT, SIR. WITHOUT ANY FUNDING HAVE TO REFER THEM OUT. WE SEND THEM OUT TO NONPROFITS OUT IN THE COMMUNITY. AND THAT'S WHAT WE CAN DO.
IT'S THE ONLY THING WE CAN DO. ONE GRANT THROUGH TXU WHICH HELPS WITH THE UTILITIES FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC BUT THAT'S REALLY
ALL WE CAN DO. >> ONE OF THE THINGS I WOULD LIKE FOR US TO FOCUS ON, IS YOU KNOW WE CAN'T GIVE ENOUGH TO OUR VETERANS, WHAT THEY SACRIFICED AND WILLING TO PUT ON THE LINE.
AND I'M GLAD WE ARE ABLE TO DO A LOT FOR THEM.
BUT THERE ARE A LOT IN THE COMMUNITY.
IT'S EASY JUST TO WALK OR TO DRIVE IN SHORT DISTANCE THAT I DO FROM MY HOUSE JUST TO THE COURTHOUSE TO THE BUILDING AND YOU SEE HE AN INFLUX OF PEOPLE WHO ARE IN NEED .
THAT'S ONE OF THE THINGS I WOULD LIKE FOR US TO FOCUS ON, WE ARE AT A GOOD STANDARD WE COULD ALWAYS DO MORE WITH OUR VSOS AND VETERANS AND SOCIAL SERVICES IN GENERAL BUT TO ACCOMMODATE FOR THOSE THAT DON'T HIT THAT MARK, WHO ARE NOT MEMBERS -- EXMEMBERS OF THE MILITARY WHO STILL ARE IN NEED.
ONE THING I HEAR. WHEN WE GET CALLS, SOMEONE ASKS, TRY TO REFER THEM OUT. BUT THERE IS LIMITED SERVICES.
THERE IS LITTLE ATTENTION PUT TO THAT.
THANKFULLY ALL CONCENTRATED THIS PART OF TOWN BUT STILL IT'S A CHALLENGE. NOT SOMETHING THAT WE HAVE FUNDING READILY AVAILABLE. EVEN A SMALL AMOUNT COULD AT LEAST GIVE SOMETHING INCREMENTAL TO THESE PEOPLE IN NEED.
AND THEN HOPEFULLY TIES THEM OVER WITH PAYING THEM A SMALL UTILITY BILL OR SOMETHING ELSE LIKE THAT.
SO THAT'S MY BIGGEST CONCERN. KIND OF SENSE WE WERE DOING PRETTY WELL WITH OUR SOCIAL SERVICES AND OUR VETERANS COMBINED. BUT SOCIAL SERVICES ALONE THAT'S WHERE WE ARE LACKING. I'M JUST SAYING THAT OUTLOUD FOR MYSELF AND OUR COURT TO REMEMBER WE NEED TO FOCUS ON THAT.
MAY NOT BE ABLE TO DO THAT RIGHT NOW IN THIS BUDGET BUT THAT WE NEED TO PUT ATTENTION AND FOCUS ON THAT MOVING FORWARD BECAUSE THAT IS PART OF THE COMMUNITY THAT IS OVERLOOKED, AND IT SEEMS INCREASINGLY GROWING EVERY TIME I TURN AROUND, SEEMS MORE AND MORE FAMILIES, MORE AND MORE INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE OUT THERE THAT ARE STRUGGLING, HAVE LITTLE TO NO ASSISTANCE TO HELP THEM COMING FROM THE COUNTY AND I THINK THAT'S A BIG PART OF WHAT
WE CAN AND SHOULD DO. >> I COMPLETELY AGREE.
WE GOT A LOT OF CALLS ABOUT THAT.
LIKE I SAID WE HAVE TO REFER PEOPLE OUT.
HOPEFULLY THOSE NONPROFITS HAVE FUNDING FOR THEM TO GET TAKEN CARE OF. AGAIN THAT'S ALL WE CAN DO
UNLESS WE GET FUNDING. >> THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, SIR. >> ONE MORE, WHILE I HAVE THE MIC, JUDGE, ASK BRIDGE TOTE COME FORWARD.
WHILE YOU WERE TALKING EARLIER ABOUT THE JP PRECINCT NEEDS.
JP ROBERT BOBBY GONZALEZ, HE HAD MADE SOME REQUESTS ABOUT A MONTH OR TWO AGO ARE WE WORKING ON THOSE?
>> YES, SIR. YES, WE'LL BE WORKING WITH HIM TO SEE EXACTLY WHAT IT IS HE NEEDS AND HOW WE CAN ASSIST HIM
WITH THOSE. >> PAYMENT SYSTEMS FOR THE
I THINK WE APPROVED THOSE IN CAPITAL OUTLAY FOR HIM AND CALLED HER TO WORK WITH HIM ABOUT THAT, YES.
>> SO WE ARE MOVING FORWARD. >> IT'S NOT ON THE LIST.
>> THANK YOU. >> I THINK IT'S FOR THIS YEAR WENT ON THE LIST TRYING TO GET IT DONE BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR YES. MOVING ON TO HEALTH SAFETY.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT UTILITIES PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTINGENCY APPROPRIATIONS. THAT'S BASICALLY THEIR BUDGET.
WE TOOK IT AWAY 25,000 OF IT. WE ARE JUST PUTTING IT BACK
[01:40:05]
WHERE IT WAS AFTER THE FIRST YEAR WHERE WE NEED FANS OR FOOD OR THINGS LIKE THAT FOR COOLING CENTERS, WARMING CENTERS, OR OUR HURRICANE CONFERENCE, THERE IS ALL KINDS OF THINGS THAT THEY HAVE HAD NO BUDGET FOR FOR AWHILE.50,000. VECTOR CONTROL NEEDED.
312,000 ADDED FOR -- THAT'S -- $312, YES, I GUESS LICENSE OR SOMETHING, I CAN'T REMEMBER WHAT THAT WAS.
>> (INAUDIBLE). >> JUST 312 ALL THEY ASK FOR.
WE PUT IT IN THERE. THE 911 PROGRAM.
ANIMAL CONTROL. THEY NEEDED POSTAGE, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS BUILDINGS. THAT'S ONE THING ABOUT THESE WHEN WE APPROVE AND WE DO THESE NEW BUILDINGS AND EVERYTHING, AND THEN THEY COME IN AND VALUE ENGINEER AND WE COME BACK AT THE END AND WE HAVE ALL THESE THINGS THAT WE HAVEN'T DONE FOR THEM.
SO WE HAVE TO COME UP WITH MONEY FOR THEM AGAIN.
PLANNING NEEDS TO BE MORE LONG-TERM.
I APPRECIATE WHAT YOU SAID COMMISSIONER PUSLEY ABOUT THE FAIRGROUNDS. WHILE WE HAVE NEW BUILDINGS RIGHT NOW NEED TO START AND OUR BUILDINGS DIRECTOR NEEDS TO START ON A PLAN FOR FUTURE INCIDENTS WHERE THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN AND WE'LL NEED TO UPGRADE AND REPLACE.
AGRICULTURE. EDUCATION AND SCIENCES.
THOSE WERE VERY MINIMAL. LIBRARY.
IRT. WE PUT THAT IN HERE ON ITEM 14, THE 20,000. WE APPRECIATE WHAT THE MILITARY DOES COMING HERE. I KNOW WE ARE ALWAYS COMING FORWARD AND ASKING FOR THE COMMISSIONERS TO DONATE.
WE PUT THAT IN AS A REQUEST SINCE WE ARE KIND OF BEING TOLD THAT THEY MAY MAKE THIS A PERMANENT THING COMING TO CORPUS CHRISTI AND WE ARE PLEASED WITH THAT.
WANT TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO HELP THEM.
THE COMMISSIONERS COURT AUTHORIZED POSITION CHANGES.
THAT WAS LAST YEAR WHEN WE TOLD EVERYONE BECAUSE WE HAD TO LEAVE IT OPEN FOR THE AUDITOR IF YOU HAD ANY RECLASSIFICATIONS OR THINGS YOU WANTED DONE YOU HAD UNTIL THE END OF DECEMBER.
THIS IS THE TOTAL OF THAT. THE ENTERPRISE FLEET PLAN IS A REDUCTION BECAUSE WE WERE GIVING THEM 300 SOMETHING THOUSAND.
386 -- I CAN'T REMEMBER WHAT THE AMOUNT WAS FITTING OUT OUR VEHICLES WHEN WE ORDER VEHICLES. NOW THAT IS ALL GOING TO BE DONE THROUGH ENTERPRISE. AND SO HE HAS ONLY ASKED FOR 250,000. HE THINKS HE CAN DO IT WITH THAT. THIS BUDGET HERE IS A COST OF $2,665,000, 751 AND GOING WITH THE CURRENT TAX RATE KEEPING US THE SAME WE WOULD BRING IN $2,000,599.45.
CHANGE OF 65,000 DIFFERENCE GO INTO OUR FUND BALANCE.
FELT COMFORTABLE MOVING FORWARD ASKING FOR THAT.
FOR DISCUSSION, A COUPLE OF THINGS THAT WE LEFT OFF THAT I HAD THEM ADD TO THE DISCUSSION PAGE BEHIND THAT.
IF YOU ALL WANT TO INCREASE THE COUNTY MILEAGE RATE AND THE COUNTY PER DIEM RATE TO THE FEDERAL LEVELS OR TO ANY OTHER LEVEL GOING UP, I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PEOPLE -- EMPLOYEES ASK FOR THIS TO BE INCREASED. SO I AM NOT SURE THE WILL OF Y'ALL. AND I DID FAIL TO PUT IN A REQUEST FROM THE 13TH COURT OF APPEALS.
THEY HAVE A 15,000 CAR ALLOWANCE AND THEY WERE WANTING AN
ADDITIONAL 2500 PER PERSON. >> (INAUDIBLE).
>> THE COURT OF APPEALS UP THERE AND WHILE THIS AMOUNT IS 2666 PER JUDGE, THIS ALSO GETS DIVIDED OUT INTO THE COUNTIES THEY REPRESENT. THIS IS NOT -- THIS AMOUNT DOES NOT TOTALLY GO ALIAS INVOICES, THE OTHER COUNTIES THEIR RATE FOR THIS THEIR PORTION FOR THIS INCREASE.
>> (INAUDIBLE). >> HOW IS IT DIVIDED? TAKE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COUNTIES AND DIVIDE IT.
>> AND DIVIDE IT. >> (INAUDIBLE).
>> SO THE VAST MAJORITY. >> WHICH MEANS WE PAY THE MOST.
>> YES. >> WE CAN JUST DO THAT AND DICTATE TO THE OTHER COUNTIES WHAT THEY ARE PAYING.
>> THAT'S WHAT I SAID WHEN IT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION.
SINCE SAID BY POPULATION WE PAY THE VAST MAJORITY.
I THINK IT IS IN HERE, GO ALL THE WAY TO VALLEY.
THEY ARE A PRETTY LARGE COUNTY. >> (INAUDIBLE).
>> WE DO. >> SO FOR DONS DORE AND JP ASK
[01:45:08]
FOR APPROVAL TO MOVE TOGETHER FOR SAFETY REASONS.AND STATEMENT FOR CLARIFICATION, THE LAW ENFORCEMENT RETIRERIES CRITICAL INJURY COVERAGE THAT WE FOUND OUT IS STATUTORY REQUIRED, A NEW LAW THAT WE HAVE TO PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT PEACE OFFICERS WHEN THEY LEAVE OFFICE, IN CASE THEY HAVE CRITICAL ILLNESS FOR THE FIRST THREE YEARS AFTER THEY LEAVE. THEY HAVE AN INSURANCE FUND FOR THAT. OR WE HAVE TO PAY 100,000 PER INDIVIDUAL IF THEY GET IT. SO WE HAVE COME UP WITH THE AMOUNT AND RISK MANAGEMENT HAS DONE THIS.
IT IS IN OUR HEALTH INSURANCE FUND I BELIEVE.
SO WE AREN'T ASKING FOR AN INCREASE IN THAT.
THE IT SOFTWARE IS INCLUDED IN OUR PROPOSED BUDGET.
BUT IT IS FUNDED BY 0130. SOMEBODY TELL ME WHAT THAT IS
OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD. >> (INAUDIBLE).
>> NOT ON HERE. >> IT'S A SPECIAL REVENUE FUND.
>> THAT'S THE ONE WHERE WE INCREASE -- WHO ARE WE TAKING
OUT OF THE INCREASE? >> I'M SORRY.
>> 0130 WAS THE ACCOUNT THAT WE HAVE AS A SPECIAL REVENUE FUND AND GOING TO PULL THAT FROM THERE TO KEEP FROM PUTTING IT INTO THE GENERAL FUND. IT WAS A FUND SITTING THERE FOR A LONG TIME WE HAVEN'T UTILIZED. SO WE FELT WE COULD PULL THIS AMOUNT FROM THERE AND GET THE SOFTWARE THAT THEY NEEDED FOR IT. JAIL INTERCOMS THAT'S ON OUR LIST. THAT WILL BE FUNDED BY THE CAPITAL OUTLAY. WE HAVE INCREASED THAT AMOUNT.
THAT WAS THE 368 SO THAT WE COULD SPEND 400.
WE ARE STILL GOING TO BE DOWN LESS THAN A MILLION.
GENERALLY KEEP A MILLION FOR CAPITAL OUTLAY PROJECTS THAT COME UP DURING THE YEAR THAT WE HAVE TO DO.
AND REVITALIZING THE OFFICE CROWN HAVE TO COME OUT OF THAT -- DOWNSTAIRS WILL HAVE TO COME OUT OF THAT IF YOU ARE IN AGREEMENT MOVE CONSTABLE DORE AND MY SUGGESTION. PUBLIC DEFENDER GOT RECLASSIFICATIONS BUT DIDN'T CHANGE ANYTHING.
I WOULD TAKE ANY QUESTIONS BUT THAT'S THE EXTENT OF MY BUDGET
REQUESTS. >> JUDGE, JUST BRIEF PERSPECTIVE AND WHAT THE COURT WANTS TO DO THE COURT WANTS TO DO.
IN THE PAST, WE HAVE DONE THE RATE FIRST BECAUSE WE THEN WERE ABLE TO DICTATE THE LEVEL OF TOLERANCE THE COURT HAD FOR AN INCREASE OR LACK OF AN INCREASE. BECAUSE IF WE JUST START PUTTING STUFF IN AND NOT TAKING ANYTHING OUT AND GET TO THE END AND INCREASE IS GUY -- GUY NORM MUSS IF ALL THINGS GET ADDED. COURT NEEDS TO MAKE A DETERMINATION WHAT TOLERANCE LEVEL GOING ABOVE WHAT YOU PROPOSED THERE IS BECAUSE SET A CEILING AT 31.111 AND THAT WOULD GENERATE I THINK A LOT OF MONEY, 10 MILLION, 10 OR $11 MILLION AND IF THAT'S -- IF THE TOLERANCE OF THE COURT IS TO PUT THAT KIND OF TAX INCREASE ON THE VOTERS WE PROBABLY SHOULD DETERMINE THAT UPFRONT. THAT'S MY PERSPECTIVE.
COURT CAN DO WHATEVER YOU WANT TO DO.
I THINK THAT'S WHY WE HAVE DONE IT THAT WAY OVER THE LAST MANY YEARS THAT I CAN REMEMBER SETTING THE RATE FIRST, SO THE COURT KNEW OKAY ALL WE WERE GOING TO DO IS GO UP X.
IF YOU ARE GOING TO ADD SOMETHING.
AND IT GOES PAST THE X YOU HAVE TO TAKE IT AWAY AND THAT MADE IT MORE EFFICIENT CLEANER PROCESS. JUST A PERSPECTIVE.
I THINK GOT TO DO THE RATE FIRST.
WILL OF THE COURT IS THE WILL OF THE COURT.
>> I DON'T DISAGREE. I KNOW THAT THAT'S AN ISSUE.
>> JUDGE, COULD I GO BACK AND ASK A COUPLE OF QUICK QUESTIONS.
>> GO AHEAD. >> THERE WAS ONE HERE YOU SKIPPED, AT LEAST I DIDN'T HEAR YOU, THE FIRST PAGE, HUMAN RESOURCES, 29569 FOR OVERTIME AND TEMPORARY BUDGET.
WHAT IS THAT FOR SPECIFICALLY? >> THEY HAD NEEDED SOME TEMPORARY PEOPLE TO HELP FILL IN, AND THEY HAD SOME PEOPLE THAT HAD TO WORK. WE HAVE HAD -- I'M ASSUMING OVERTIME BUDGET WAS BECAUSE OF SOME OF THE PAYROLL INCIDENTS THAT WE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS, I HAVE ASKED THEM TO STAY TO CORRECT IT, INSTEAD OF WAITING UNTIL THE NEXT WEEK WHEN WE MAKE AN ISSUE WITH SOMEBODY'S PAYCHECK, I BELIEVE IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE STAY AND GET THAT CORRECTED AS SOON AS
>> GO AHEAD. >> YOU DONE? OKAY. ONE OF THE THINGS ON THE LAST PAGE WITH RESPECT TO THE ENTERPRISE FLEET PLAN, YOU HAD
[01:50:04]
ASKED ME TO WORK WITH MICHAEL A LITTLE BIT IN LOOKING AT THAT.AND ONE OF THE THINGS WE DISCOVERED, AND WE PROBABLY NEED TO IMPLEMENT A NEW COURT POLICY ON THIS, AND THAT IS UNDER OUR ENTERPRISE PLAN WE REALLY ARE SUPPOSED TO GO THROUGH ENTERPRISE FOR ANY MAINTENANCE ON VEHICLES (INAUDIBLE) SITUATIONS OF EMPLOYEES DRIVING THOSE VEHICLES, TAKING THEM TO WHATEVER GARAGE WHEREVER TO HAVE THEM SERVICED, WHEN THEY DO THAT
SO DO WE NEED TO PUT THAT ON OUR NEXT AGENDA ITEM, TO HAVE THAT
ADDED TO OUR POLICY, THEN? >> YES.
>> SO I WOULD WELCOME THAT, BECAUSE -- OKAY.
OUR BUDGET OFFICE AND EVERYTHING, LET ME BE CLEAR, IS GOING TO BE WATCHING OUR BUDGETS.
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME WE HAVE HAD ONE IN THERE, AND I KNOW IT WAS CHALLENGING, US GETTING TO THIS BUDGET.
WE'RE STILL NOT 100% WHERE WE NEED TO BE WITH THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE AND THE BUDGET OFFICE, BUT THIS WAS THE FIRST TRANSITION, AND WE'RE GOING TO GET BETTER AT THIS AND MAKE IT SIMPLER. I FEEL LIKE WE'VE ALL MADE GREAT STRIDES. WE'RE A REGRET TEAM.
I -- WE'RE A GREAT TEAM. I APPRECIATE ALL THE HARD HOURS WORK AND THE HOURS THAT WENT INTO EVERYTHING.
AND BELIEVE ME, IT WAS CHALLENGING, GUYS, AND WE TRIED TO DO THE BEST WE COULD FOR SO MANY DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS AND SO MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE, AND NOTHING IS EVER FAIR.
WE TRIED TO LOOK AT -- FOCUS WHAT THE NEEDS WERE FIRST AND WHAT THE WANTS WERE, BUT WE HAD TO DO A LITTLE BIT OF SOMETHING
FOR MOST EVERYBODY HERE. >> WELL, THE OTHER QUESTION I HAD, AND JUAN WAS HERE A MINUTE AGO, BUT I GUESS HE TOOK OFF.
IN YEARS PAST, THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR WOULD SIT DOWN AND LOOK AT THE MILES OF COUNTY ROADS WITH -- ACCOMPLISHED IN EACH ONE OF THE PRECINCTS AND SORT OF BALANCE THE ROAD BUDGET BASED ON THE NUMBER OF MILES.
IS THAT THE WAY IT'S STILL DONE, OR HOW IS IT BEING DONE NOW? YEAH, I WISHED JUAN WOULD HAVE STAYED AROUND, BUT, ANYWAY...
>> I THINK HE WENT TO GO GET HIM.
JUAN HAS HAD A PILOT PROGRAM DONE ON A STUDY OF OUR ROADS.
HE WOULD LIKE TO UTILIZE THE FUNDS IN HIS BUDGET TO LOOK AT ALL OF OUR COUNTY ROADS. THAT'S KIND OF A LITTLE BIT SCARY TO ME, BECAUSE WE KNOW WE'RE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO FUND THAT. BUT I KNOW IT CAN AT LEAST PRIORITIZE WHERE MAYBE WE NEED TO FOCUS ON AND WHAT WE CAN DO AND HELP US MAKE A MAN PLAN FORE FUTURE ON WHAT WE'RE GOING TO -- IN MY MEETING WITH HIM, THAT'S WHAT HE DID TELL ME.
>> T"TO PRIORITIZE" IS THE KEY TERM THERE.
BECAUSE WE MAY SEE DISREPAIR IN A LOT OF ROADS, BUT TO ME, IT REPRESENTS -- YOU KNOW, THERE'S SOME ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
>> -- DEALING WITH ROADS THAT WE NEED TO FOCUS ON, MAYBE EVEN THOUGH THERE'S AREAS THAT ARE WORSE OFF OR LIGHTLY-USED, OBVIOUSLY, BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY THEY'RE NOT IN GREAT REPAIR, BUT THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING IMPORTANT FOR ME, SO I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT REVIEW WITH COMMISSIONER PUSLEY AND THE REST
OF THE TEAM ONTARIO THAT. >> TEAM ON THAT.
>> ONE OF THE THINGS I DID THE CITY DID WHILE I WAS THERE THAT WAS REALLY SMART IS THEY HIRED A COMPANY THAT WENT AND THEY HAVE A SPECIAL MACHINE THAT -- AND THEY DROVE EVERY CITY STREET IN THE CITY, AND IT GRADES THEM BASED ON --
>> THAT'S WHAT JUAN'S TALKING ABOUT, THIS PILOT.
THEY'VE ONLY DONE SELECT THINGS, BUT I THINK HE WOULD LIKE TO DO
IT OVER MORE OF OURS, YEAH. >> BUT THE TWO THINGS I GET THE MOST CALLS ABOUT ARE ROADS AND ARE DRAINAGE.
>> ABSOLUTELY. >> ALL THE TIME.
>> AND THOSE ARE ALSO THINGS THAT WE HAVE TO LOOK AT IN THE FUTURE, AND, YOU KNOW, ESPECIALLY FOR THE INLAND PRECINCTS, LIKE MINE AND COMMISSIONER MAREZ'S AND COMMISSIONER GONZÁLEZ'S PRECINCT.
WE HAVE A LOT OF RURAL AREAS THAT ARE SERVICED ONLY BY THE COUNTY. THEY'RE NOT SERVED BY THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI OR THE CITY OF ROBS TOWN OR PLACES LIKE THAT, THAT WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEM, AND IT MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE. AND SO WE STRUGGLE WITH THAT A LOT. AND WHEN WE HEAR -- WHAT, THREE MONTHS AGO OR WHATEVER IT WAS -- WE HAD THOSE HUGE DRAIN EVENTS.
[01:55:01]
MANY OF OUR AREAS IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF THE COUNTY INLAND WERE DRASTICALLY IMPACTED BY THOSE FLOODINGEVENTS, SO... >> HE'S HERE NOW.
>> I KNOW WE CAN'T FIX EVERYTHING, BUT WE DO NEED TO TAKE A LOOK AT THAT AND TRY TO COME UP WITH --
>> I WAS TELLING HIM A LITTLE BIT ABOUT OUR CONVERSATION AND THE PILOT PROGRAM Y'ALL WERE DOING AND HOW YOU WANTED TO DO -- EXTEND THAT EVEN ON THE ROADS AND GRADING OUR ROADS AND WHERE OUR PRIORITIES SHOULD BE IN THE FUTURE AND THAT KIND OF
RIGHT NOW, WE'RE DOING A -- CAN YOU HEAR ME? YEAH. RIGHT NOW, WE'RE DOING A PILOT
PROGRAM WITH R. WITH RA 16789. >> THAT'S RIGHT, YOU DIVIDED IT UP WHERE ALL THE PRECINCT HAD A PORTION OF IT.
>> YES, MA'AM. >> I FORGOT ABOUT THAT PART.
>> ABOUT 30 TO 40,000 THAT WE SPENT, AND THAT'S SOMETHING THAT WE CAN LOOK AT. WHAT THAT DOES, IS IT ANALYZES OUR ROADS TO DETERMINE WHICH ROADS ARE SEVERE, WHICH ONES WE NEED TO CONCENTRATE ON, AND ONCE WE GET THAT INFORMATION, I WAS GOING TO INVITE Y'ALL, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, TO ATTEND SEPARATELY, AND THAT WAY Y'ALL CAN SEE THE DATA THAT WE'RE GOING TO BE GETTING IN FROM THEM.
WHAT THEY DO IS THEY DRIVE THE ROAD.
THEY DO A VIDEO OF THE ROAD. THEY ANALYZE THE ROAD, A RATING BETWEEN 1 AND 5. 5 BEING GOOD.
1 BEING IN POOR CONDITION. AND AT THAT POINT, THEY CAN GIVE US A COST FOR THE WHOLE COUNTY ROADS TO KNOW HOW MUCH MONIES WE NEED FOR THE NEXT BUDGET YEAR. SO IT'S A GOOD TOOL.
AND WE GO THROUGH THIS PROCESS, IT'LL BE SOMETHING THAT WE CAN
HAVE, JUDGE. >> SO YOU HAVE THE FUNDS BUDGETED THIS YEAR TO DO THE WHOLE COUNTY?
>> NOT FOR THIS YEAR, COMMISSIONER.
WE JUST DID A PILOT TO SEE WHAT KIND OF INFORMATION WE'RE GOING TO BE PRESENTED WITH HERE ON THE 24TH OF SEPTEMBER.
BUT FOR NEXT YEAR, THEY HAD ESTIMATED ABOUT 240,000, PLUS OR MINUS, TO DO ALL OF THE COUNTY ROADS.
SO THAT'S SOMETHING THAT WE DON'T HAVE IN OUR BUDGET.
MAYBE IF COMMISSIONERS COURT WOULD ALLOW AT THAT TIME THAT WE DO GET -- IN THIS COMING FISCAL YEAR, THAT WE CAN USE SOME OF THE RIGHT OF WAY MONIES TO BE ABLE TO PAY FOR THAT ANALYSIS OF
ALL THE COUNTY ROADS. >> YEAH, OKAY.
YEAH. I THINK THAT'S A GREAT IDEAL, AND IT GIVES US A TOOL THAT WE CAN UTILIZE, AND THEN WE CAN
BUDGET ON A YEARLY BASIS,. >> YES, SIR.
>> BASED ON THAT PROGRAM OF WHAT ROADS NEED TO BE ADDRESSED
FIRST. >> AND THAT'S CORRECT, COMMISSIONER. IF YOU WANT A GRADE A ROAD FOR ALL THE -- FOR ALL THE COUNTY ROADS TO BE AT A GRADE A, THEN IT WOULD GIVE YOU AN ANALYSIS AND SAY YOU NEED, YOU KNOW, SO MANY X DOLLAR AMOUNTS OF MONEY TO HAVE GRADE A ROADS THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE COUNTY OR GRADE B ROADS THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE COUNTY. SO IT WOULD ESTIMATE WHAT THE WHOLE COST WOULD BE FOR ALL OF OUR COUNTY ROADS.
>> THAT'S THE END OF MY PROPOSAL, BUT IF WE WANT TO GO BACK AS -- AND I DON'T DISAGREE. I THINK WE REALLY HAVE TO KNOW WHAT OUR TAX RATES' GOING TO BE, IF WE'RE GOING TO MOVE FORWARD.
SO I -- IF NOBODY'S WILLING TO MAKE A MOTION, I DID MY BUDGET ON THE CURRENT TAX RATE. I WOULD MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CURRENT TAX RATE. AND I'LL DO ALL THE WORDING IF WE GET A SECOND, OR ANYTHING ELSE, SO...
>> I WOULD STILL LIKE TO TALK A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT PAY RAISES
FOR OUR -- >> AND I JUST -- CAN I GO WITH
MINE NOW? >> THAT'S WHY I WAS ASKING ABOUT THE TAX RATE, BECAUSE IF WE'RE GOING TO DO PAY RAISES AND WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO INCREASE THE TAX RATE.
>> I WANT TO FIND OUT IF THEY'RE GOING TO GET A RAISE.
>> THAT'S FINE, BUT -- >> I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE T
THAT, YOU KNOW -- >> I DIDN'T HEAR ANYBODY SPOUTING OFF BEFORE WE WENT TOO MUCH DEEPER BEFORE -- WE JUST NEEDED TO KNOW WHERE WE WERE GOING ON THE TAX RATE.
COMMISSIONER PUSLEY, YOU HAD THE FLOOR.
>> CONSTANCE PUT TOGETHER A LIST FOR US HERE ABOUT WHAT PAY INCREASES WOULD COST, BASED ON A PERCENTAGE BASIS, AND THIS WOULD BE FOR JUST EMPLOYEES ONLY. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE ELECTED OFFICIALS AT ANY LEVEL. BUT, FOR EXAMPLE, A 3% COLA FOR ALL EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING LAW ENFORCEMENT.
[02:00:04]
CORRECT, CONSTANCE? THIS INCLUDES LAW ENFORCEMENT.WOULD NECESSITATE ABOUT $4.2 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL FUNDS, AND SO OUR -- IF WE VOTE THE CURRENT TAX RATE, IT BRINGS IN -- YOU HAD A CHART. I DON'T KNOW IF YOU CAN BRING IT UP, THAT SHOWED WHAT EACH ONE OF THOSE TAX RATES BRING IN
ADDITIONALLY. >> LET'S SEE WHAT SLIDE NUMBER THAT WAS. THAT WAS IN OUR SLIDE SHOW.
>> CALL UP THE POWER POINT FROM THIS MORNING.
>> ARE YOU PROPOSING LEAVING THE JUDGES' BUDGET ALONE AND JUST ADDING TO IT? IS THAT WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING AT?
I'M JUST ASKING THAT QUESTION. >> I'M SORRY.
DO WHAT NOW...? >> ARE YOU LOOKING AT LEAVING THE JUDGES' BUDGET ALONE AND THEN YOU WANT TO ADD STUFF TO
>> I JUST WANT TO LOOK AT THE NUMBERS HERE.
SO -- RIGHT, SO THE VOTE APPROVAL RATE THERE IS WITHOUT THE UNUSED INCREMENT. IF WE ADD THE UNUSED INCREMENT, THEN IT WILL GENERATE 11.35 -- 11,357,000.
SO THIS IS WITHOUT -- THE LAST COLUMN IS WITHOUT THE INUSED INCREMENT. IF WE ADD THE INUSED INCREMENT, WHICH IT DOES -- THE UNUSED INCREMENT, WHICH IT DOES GO AWAY THIS YEAR. THE FIRST COLUMN WOULD GENERATE
2,000,599.545. >> THAT'S WHAT I SPENT.
>> YES, YES, MA'AM. THAT'S WHAT THE PROPOSED BUDGET IS BUILT ON, THAT FIRST TAX RATE.
THE SECOND COLUMN. AND THEN THE VOTER-APPROVAL RATE. THIS IS WITHOUT THE UNUSED INCREMENT; THE 6.006.716.
I SHOULD HAVE PUT THAT THERE. 11.357.759.
>> SO, JUDGE, ARE WE PULLING ANY FUNDS OUT OF OUR FUND BALANCE TO
SO THE CURRENT TAX RATE, IF WE ADOPTED THAT, WOULD BRING IN
IT'S ROUNDED UP. >> 2.6, ROB, ROUNDED UP, AND WED 2.4, TO GIVE A PAY RAISE ACROSS THE BOARD.
SO THAT WOULD COVER THAT. >> AND IT WOULD COVER THE JU
JUDGE'S. >> IT WOULD ALSO COVER THE
JUDGE'S. >> THE JUDGE'S PROPOSAL IS THE 2.6 MILLION THAT WE'RE UTILIZING.
IF YOU ADD ANOTHER 2.4, THAT'S $5 MILLION RIGHT THERE.
>> WE'D HAVE TO GO TO THE 3.1. VOTER APPROVED RATE.
>> THIS IS WITHOUT THE UNUSED INCREMENT.
>> OKAY. >> THANK YOU, CONNIE.
>> YOU'RE SAYING 3.1 WILL GET US 11 MILLION?
>> DOES THE VOTER APPROVAL GIVES 2.6.
>> 6 MILLION. >> THE VOTER APPROVAL RATE -- EXCUSE ME -- WITHOUT THE UNUSED INCREMENT IS THE 6 MILLION.
6.006.716. AND THEN WITH THE UNUSED INCREMENT, BECAUSE IT'S A PENNY, .13 CENTS, IS 11,357,759.
>> I'M SORRY. SAY THAT AGAIN NOW? HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH 11 MILLION?
>> BECAUSE THE UNUSED INCREMENT IS ( 1.3.
>> WHEN WE DON'T ADOPT THE VOTER APPROVAL RATE, THAT LITTLE CUSHION, THE LEGISLATURE ALLOWS US TO USE IT FOR FLEE YEARS,.
>> YOU'RE GOING TO ADD THE 1.3 TO THE 6?
>> YES, SIR, SO IT SHOULD BE 11 MILLION.
IF YOU DECIDE TO VOTE ON THE VOTER APPROVAL WITH THE UNUSED
>> SO THAT WOULD RAISE AN ADDITIONAL -- IT WOULD RAISE AN
ADDITIONAL $11 MILLION? >> CORRECT.
TOTAL. >> COMMISSIONER GONZÁLEZ HAS THE
IF WE ADOPT THE CURRENT TAX RATE, WE DON'T GET TO USE THE
WE COULD ADD IT TO IT. IT'S ABOUT 4.5 MILLION.
>> ABOUT 5 MILLION. >> THAT WOULD BRING 2-POINT PLUS
>> SO ABOUT 7 MILLION. >> COMMISSIONER GONZÁLEZ HAS THE
[02:05:22]
FLOOR. SORRY, COMMISSIONER PULSELY.>> THAT WOULD BE THE 2.6 ADDED TO OUR CURRENT YEAR'S PROPERTY TAX RATE. SO THAT'S THE 111.
YES, SIR. >> BUT WE'RE NOT DIPPING INTO THAT NOW, RIGHT? WE'RE DIPPING INTO THAT WITH
SO WE NEED TO UTILIZE THAT WHOLE THING TO COVER THESE ADDITIONS THAT WE HAVE PROPOSED IN THE BUDGET FOR THIS YEAR.
>> AND THE CAPITAL -- OUTLAY, WE'RE WORKING WITH -- WHAT?
WHICH CAPITAL OUTLAY? >> YEAH.
>> THE ONE THAT'S ON THE LIST? >> YEAH.
I KNOW IT DOESN'T DO IT PROBABLY WITH THIS, BUT JUST MY QUESTION WOULD BE THE -- BECAUSE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT WE'RE REQUESTING HAVE TO DO WITH CAPITAL OUTLAY. THEY'RE BUILDINGS AND THEY'RE
SO OUR GOAL IS -- THE AUDITOR OFFICE'S CLEANING UP WORK DAY.
TO OUR GOAL IS TO REVIEW ALL OF THE FUNDS, ESPECIALLY LIKE THE CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION, ALL THOSE CAPITAL FUNDS.
WE WOULD TO LOOK AT THOSE. SCORE DOWN ALL OF THOSE BALANCES AND COME BACK TO COMMISSIONERS COURTS AND BRING A PROPOSAL ON
HOW WE CAN UTILIZE THOSE FUNDS. >> THE CAPITAL FUNDS RIGHT NOW, WE'RE SITTING AT ABOUT $54 MILLION.
>> WE COULDN'T TELL YOU THAT. >> I'M NOT SURE ABOUT THAT NUMBER. WE'RE STILL WORKING ON THAT, SIR. YES, SIR, AND WE WILL COME BACK
TO THE COMMISSIONERS COURT. >> IT'S ALSO THE REASON WE WANT
TO COME BACK. >> I'M JUST LOOKING AT -- HAVE, JUDGE, I HAVE. NOT VERY MANY, BUT -- AND THE OTHER THINGS THAT I HAVE -- I DON'T KNOW, WE CAN DELETE SOME OF THE BIG ONES, BUT WE'RE GOING TO L NEED THEM DOWN THE ROAD, BT I'D LIKE TO GO AHEAD AND READ MINE.
MY FIRST RECOMMENDATION WOULD BE, AGAIN, TRANSFER THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS FROM PUBLIC WORKS TO CONSTABLE PRECINCT 1 AND PRECINCT 5 TO WORK THE WESTON AREA AND ALSO BE COUNTY-WIDE. YOU KNOW, ALWAYS TALKING ABOUT THERE'S BEEN INCREASE OF 34,259 TO MAKE UP THE DIFFERENCE.
TRANSFERRING THOSE OFFICERS, THEY'LL BE LAW ENFORCEMENT.
THEY'LL GET ALL THE BENEFITS FROM THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.
ANOTHER CONSTABLE 1, IS REQUESTING ANOTHER OFFICER FOR 51,385. SO NUMBER 2, PARKS.
I KNOW JUDGE AND I AGREE ON THE CITY DRIVER.
I HAD IS DOWN FOR 41,000. YOU HAD IT BIGGER NUMBERS.
BUT ALSO REQUESTING ON ITEM A, AN ADDITIONAL 11,000 TO MAKE A PART-TIME DRIVER FULL-TIME. ACCORDING TO PUBLIC WORKS, THAT'S WHAT THEY NEED. AND ALSO RECOMMENDING 1.5 MILLION TO BE ALLOCATED FOR EQUIPMENT, MAINTENANCE, AND ALL PARKS, AND THIS IS WHY I WAS ASKING ABOUT THE CAPITAL, RIGHT? YOU KNOW, SO -- BECAUSE SOME WOULD BE UNDER CAPITAL.
SOME WOULD BE UNDER... AND, THREE, THE WEAPONS AUTHORITY, UNDER JUDGE'S. I SUPPORT THAT.
85,000 WITH BENEFITS INCLUDED. IT MIGHT BE LESS.
IT MIGHT BE MORE. THE -- NUMBER 4, COUNTY ATTORNEY. I RECOMMENDED 400,000.
AFTER OUR MEETING WITH THEM, AND BASED ON WHAT THEY'RE DOING WITH SOME OF THE PROGRAMS THAT THEY HAVE.
AND EXHIBIT NUMBER 1 THAT I PUT ON THERE.
AND BASICALLY RETAINING THE LEGAL SECRETARY ATTORNEY 3, ATTORNEY 2, THE VICTIMS ADVOCATE INVESTIGATOR AND RECLASSIFICATION. SO THAT'S -- I RAN IT UP TO 400,000. IT COULD BE A LITTLE LESS.
>> I TALKED TO HER AND ASKED FOR HER TOP PRIORITIES, AND THAT'S
WHY I NARROWED IT DOWN. >> WELL, I'M BEING MORE GENEROUS, I GUESS, BUT THAT'S MY TAKE, RIGHT? THERE. NUMBER 5 WOULD BE PUBLIC WORKS.
YOU KNOW, WHEN -- MY PUBLIC WORKS IS 3.5 MILLION TOTAL FOR THREE YEARS, WHICH WILL COVER EQUIPMENT AND MAINTENANCE, AND ALSO THE 300,000 FOR TWO MOWERS. 100,000 FOR TWO OPERATORS.
WE'RE ALWAYS HAVING TROUBLE WITH MOWING, AND IT WAS BROUGHT UP AT THE LAST MEETING THAT WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MOWERS WE, WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH EQUIPMENT. AND AGAIN, I THINK MOST OF THIS
[02:10:02]
WOULD BE UNDER CAPITAL. >> MM-HMM.
>> UNDER J.P. 22, BECAUSE YOU HAVE THE JOINT OFFICER THERE.
>> THAT'S ALREADY BEEN INCLUDED TO MAKE HIM OR HER A FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE. THAT'S IN MINE.
>> 60 TO 80,000, INCLUDING BENEFITS.
>> MM-HMM. >> AND ALSO, J.P. 1-1, APPROXIMATELY 75,000. I PUT DOWN THERE TWO CLERKS, BUT HE COULD EVEN IF HE CAN USE ONE OR A PART-TIME ONE, BECAUSE HE IS GOING TO INHERIT 80% OF SANTANA'S CASEWORK, WHETHER HE WANTS TO ADMIT IT OR NOT. THAT'S GOING TO ADMIT THAT.
AND I AGREE WITH COMMISSIONER PUSLEY.
WE NEED TO WORK IN CLEARING OUT THOSE CASES SO WE KNOW EXACTLY WHAT'S OUT THERE AND WHO HAS WHAT, AND IT CAN BE DONE PROBABLY WITHIN SIX MONTHS TO A YEAR'S TIME, SO...
BUT, IN ALL FAIRNESS, HE'S GOING TO INHERIT SOME OF THE CASES.
>> MM-HMM. >> SO THAT'S MY TAKE ON THAT.
THE NUMBER 8, THE COMMISSIONERS COURT, AND THIS IS COMING UNDER CAPITAL ALSO, BUT SOMETHING WE NEED TO CONSIDER, JUDGE, AND GO BACK AND THINK IT ABOUT. WE HAVE A COURT DOJ MANDATE.
>> WE HAVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT IT, YES, SIR.
>> IT'S 15 MILLION OR LESS CONSTRUCTION FOR THAT AND WE HAVEN'T EVEN SET ASIDE OR TALKED ABOUT HOW WE'RE GOING TO CAN A E
IT. >> THAT'S ON OUR LIST OF CAPITAL PROJECTS, ONCE WE GET THE COS DONE.
THE ENGINEERING PART. >> MAYBE 1.3 MULTIFOR THE ENGINEERING PART. AND I THINK ONCE WE START SOMETHING IN MOTION, DOJ IS GOING TO SAY, WELL, AT LEAST
YOU'RE STARTING TO DO SOMETHING. >> THEY GAVE US 12 YEARS, SO I'M
HOLDING ON TO THAT. >> DON'T BE SURPRISED IF THEY
CHANGE THEIR MIND, TOO. >> EXACTLY.
>> WE'VE HAD 'EM COME BACK BEFORE.
NUMBER 10. AND YOU HAD EXHIBIT 3 ON NUMBER 10, WHICH IS -- WE JUST TALKED ABOUT THE SALARIES, AND I DON'T KNOW, ONCE WE'RE INCLUDING THE ELECTED OFFICIALS.
ONE IS NOT INCLUDING ELECTED OFFICIALS.
IT REALLY DON'T MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO ME WHICH ROUTE WE GO. MY RECOMMENDATION IS 8%.
3.665. 615.82 ACROSS THE BOARD, INCLUDING LAW ENFORCEMENT. AND ALSO MY RECOMMENDATION IS TO RECOMMEND THAT WE GIVE A STIPEND TO PARKS DIRECTOR EDWARD, AN ADDITIONAL 30,000, FOR A LOT OF WORK THAT HE DOES THAT'S NOT PART OF HIS JOB DESCRIPTION. I KNOW WE DID THAT FOR -- WE DID THAT FOR GRANTS LAST TIME. BUT, YOU KNOW, IF I GO DOWN THE LIST HERE... HIS ADDITIONAL DUTIES -- OF COURSE, HE WORKS UNDER ALL THE COMMISSIONERS AND THE JUDGE, DEALING WITH GRANTS FUNDED PROJECT.
SETS UP MEETINGS AND ATTENDS ALL THE MEETINGS WITH GRAND WORKS AND THE ENGINEERS, THE CONTRACTORS, AND WE'RE ALL PULLING HIM IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS.
YOU KNOW, SPLASH PADS, POOLS, AND WHATEVER.
HAVING TO DO WITH ARPA. HAVE TO DO WITH CITY P G.
GRANTS WORKS. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS.
GROUNDWORK SET UP. AND GROUNDBREAKING FOR ALL COMMISSIONERS AND RIBBON CUTTING FOR ALL THE COMMISSIONERS.
YOU KNOW, HELPS WITH THE OPERATIONS OF THE RV MOBILE CLINIC, PLUS OTHERS. SO THIS IS MY TAKE ON THAT; THAT, YOU KNOW, WE'RE GONNA BE PULLING HIM IN ALL DIFFERENT DIRECTION THES, I'M JUST SAYING THERE SHOULD BE A STIPEND.
LIKE THERE WAS A STIPEND FOR GRANTS FOR PARKS COORDINATOR OR WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT, BUT THIS IS MY TAKE ON IT.
>> THANK YOU, AND SINCE WE HAVE ALL HEARD, DO Y'ALL HAVE ANY INCLUSIONS? BEFORE WE DO THE TAX RATE.
SORRY. CHESNEY WAS WAITING TO SPEAK.
>> I JUST WANT TO GO BACK TO WHAT COMMISSIONER PUSLEY SAID.
YOU MADE THE COMMENT ABOUT NOT INCLUDED ELECTED OFFICIALS.
I THINK IT SHOULD DEFINITELY NOT INCLUDE US AS ELECTED OFFICIALS.
BUT WE HAVE DEPARTMENT HEADS THAT MAKE MORE THAN OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS THAT ARE FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES THAT RUN THEIR DEPARTMENTS. I THINK THERE ARE PROBABLY DEPARTMENT HEADS THAT MAKE MORE THAN KARA AND KEVIN AND ANNE, AND I DON'T THINK THEY SHOULD BE EXCLUDED, IF YOU'RE GOING TO GO THAT ROUTE, OR WE JUST DON'T INCLUDE DEPARTMENT HEADS.
BECAUSE WE HAVE DEPARTMENT HEADS RUNNING BIGGER DEPARTMENTS THAN
OUR DEPARTMENTS. >> I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT.
SOMETHING TO PAY ATTENTION TO IN THE FUTURE.
>> I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN IT.
I DEFINITELY THINK WE SHOULD BE EXCLUDED.
BUT I THINK THAT IF YOU -- AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT KARA MAKES, BUT
[02:15:02]
I WOULD BET THAT THERE'S DEPARTMENT HEADS THAT MAKE NO -O OFFENSE. YOU'RE HERE.I DON'T KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING WITH IT, BECAUSE I KNOW YOU'RE
JUST TALKING OUT LOUD. >> YOU'RE SAYING WE SHOULD INCLUDE THE ELECTED OFFICIALS, OTHER THAN US.
>> IF YOU'RE GOING TO INCLUDE DEPARTMENT HEADS, YOU'VE GOT TO INCLUDE ELECTED OFFICIALS THAT RUN BIG DEPARTMENTS OR YOU CAN'T INCLUDE DEPARTMENT HEADS AND ELECTED OFFICIALS.
JUST A POINT. I'M EXCLUDING US.
I'M NOT WANTING US TO TALK ABOUT A RAISE FOR US, BUT I'M SAYING, IF WE'RE GOING -- IF THAT'S THE ROUTE YOU'RE GOING, THEN AT
LEAST CONSIDER THAT. >> WE'VE DONE THAT BEFORE?
>> WE DON'T HAVE THAT NUMBER, DO WE?
>> I THINK ONCE OR TWICE WE'VE DONE THAT, WHERE WE EXCLUDED THE
COMMISSIONERS AND THE JUDGE. >> WE'D HAVE TO ACCOUNT THAT.
>> IT SHOULDN'T BE MUCH, BUT... US FOR THE 8% FOR US, EXCLUDING
US? >> ELECTED OFFICIALS, 300,000.
YEAH. >> JUST POINTING -- JUST -- I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE NUMBERS ARE. I'M JUST SAYING.
AND WE DID GIVE 10% ACROSS THE BOARD INCREASE TO EVERYBODY LAST YEAR. WE GAVE A PRETTY SIGNIFICANT RAISE LAST YEAR, SO...
ELECTED OFFICIALS, WE ALL HAVE THE ABILITY TO NOT ACCEPT IT.
I KNOW I HAVE NOT ACCEPTED IT. YOU HAVE NOT ACCEPTED IT.
IT'S KIND OF HARD -- WHETHER SOME OF THE US ARE SITTING HERE, THAT THESE SEATS MIGHT CHANGE TO VOTE TO CHANGE FOR SOMEBODY ELSE THAT MIGHT BE HERE THAT MIGHT WANT IT OR NEED IT OR ACCEPT IT OR WHAT. IF YOU'RE GOING TO GIVE TO ALL ELECTEDS, I THINK IT'S MUCH EASIER AND SIMPLE TO GIVE TO THOSE AND THOSE OF US THAT DO NOT WISH TO MAKE IT.
IT STILL STAYS IN THE BUDGET FOR FUTURE PEOPLE, BUT WE JUST DON'T ACCEPT THE CHECK RIGHT NOW. IT WOULD BE SIMPLER TO MAKE A DECISION, INSTEAD OF GOING BACK TRYING TO CALCULATE WHO'S IN --
>> I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU'RE SAYING --
>> I'M SAYING LEAVE 'EM IN, AND ANY OF US THAT FIVE THAT DON'T WANT TO TAKE IT, WE SIGN AN EXCEPTION.
WE DO IT WITH HR. >> WHEN I WAS HERE BEFORE -- WE DO IT WITH YOU. SORRY.
>> WHEN I WAS HERE BEFORE, I HAD ALL OF MY PAY RAISES PUT INTO A SPECIAL REVENUE FUND AND I USED IT FOR PROJECTS IN MY PRECINCT.
>> I DID THE SAME THING. >> THANK YOU.
I JUST HATE TO EXCLUDE ALL ELECTED OFFICIALS WHEN WE AREN'T GOING TO TAKE IT ANYWAY, WHEN THERE MIGHT BE SOMEBODY ELSE
SITTING HERE THAT -- >> WE HAVE THOSE NUMBERS.
>> YES. OR DON'T EXCLUDE -- DON'T INCLUDE ANY ELECTEDS. YEAH.
>> OKAY. CAN I ASK A QUESTION?
>> GO AHEAD. SO TELL ME AGAIN ABOUT THIS $5 MILLION THAT WE HAVE. WE HAD NOT DISCUSSED THAT
BEFORE. >> THE UNUSED INCREMENT NUMBER.
>> CONNIE, CAN YOU PUT THAT SLIDE BACK UP THAT SHOWS -- YEAH. THAT.
THANK YOU. SO, THE JUDGE'S RECOMMENDATIONS
WOULD BE IF WE ELECTED THE -- >> EXISTING TAX RATE, YES.
CURRENT TAX RATE. >> -- WOULD BE COVERED BY THE 2.5 OR 2.6 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL REVENUE BROUGHT IN BY THAT.
OKAY. BUT, CONSTANCE, YOU'RE SAYING WE HAVE ANOTHER 5 MILLION THAT WE CAN CARRY OVER TO THIS BUDGET?
>> YES, SIR. THE UNUSED INCREMENT CAN BE USED. IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE USED WITH THE VOTE APPROVAL RATE. THE ONLY THING IS WE CANNOT EXCEED THAT .307587 FOR THE GENERAL FUND.
WE CAN'T EXCEED THAT RATE. SO, LET ME JUST ADD QUICK, THE UNUSED INCREMENT TO THE .286449 AND SEE HOW CLOSE WE GET.
>> OKAY. SO, YOU COME -- IT'S .299386.
AND THAT'S PRETTY CLOSE. >> MM-HMM.
>> TO THAT THE VOTER APPROVAL RATE.
THAT'S EXCLUDING MARKET. THAT'S JUST GENERAL FUND.
>> OKAY, AND HOW MUCH WOULD THAT IN TOTAL RAISE?
>> LET'S SEE... WELL, EACH PENNY IS ABOUT $4.2 MILLION. SO, LET'S DO FOUR -- LET ME JUST DO THAT REAL QUICK. IT'S ABOUT 5.48 -- 5,480,000.
AND THAT'S JUST THE UNUSED INCREMENT.
>> 5,480,000. >> THAT'S IF WE ELECTED THE CURRENT TAX RATE AND WE USED THE.
>> IT WOULD BE THE FIVE FOUR PLUS -- SO THAT'S 8 MILLION --
[02:20:01]
ABOUT 8 MILLION TOTAL. >> SO WE COULD EASILY COVERAGE ACROSS THE BOARD -- LIKE THE JUDGE SAID, JUST DO ALL ELECTED -- JUST DO EVERYBODY AND THEN THOSE WHO DON'T WANT IT, WE CAN SIGN A LETTER SAYING WE DON'T WANT OURS.
THAT'S WHAT I'D LIKE TO PROPOSE WE DO.
>> BUT YOU SAY YOU DON'T WANT IT, THEN IT STAYS -- STAYS THAT
WAY FOR HOW LONG? >> IF THE COMMISSIONER DECIDES THAT WE DON'T WANT OUR PAY RAISE, WE JUST SIGN A LETTER,
AND THEN IT -- >> I KNOW THAT, BUT I'M
SAYING -- >> BUT IT STAYS IN THE BUDGET BECAUSE THE NEXT PERSON OR SOMEONE THAT FUTURE COMES IN AND TAKES YOUR POSITION, THEY DON'T HAVE TO GO BY YOUR DECISION.
IT WOULD STAY IN THE BUDGET. IT'S JUST MONEY NOT SPENT, OR YOU CAN PUT IT IN A SPECIAL REVENUE FUND THAT YOU CAN SPEND ON OTHER PROJECTS. AND THAT'S NOT SALARY.
YOU CAN PUT IT INTO YOUR COUNTY SIGNS OR SOMETHING FOR ONE OF THE PARKS OR -- I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH MONEY IT IS, SO I HATE TO
SAY WHAT YOU WOULD USE IT ON. >> JUST LIKE I DO WITH MY --
>> LIKE YOU DID, YES. >> CAN YOU BAG MY TRAVEL FOR
SPECIAL PROJECTS? >> YOU KNOW, JUDGE, I JUST FEEL -- IT POSSIBLY WON'T PASS, BUT I CAN MAKE A MOTION THAT WE ACCEPT MY RECOMMENDATIONS, INCLUDING NUMBER 8 AND 9, WHICH IS THE BIG ONES, WHICH IS COUNTY COURTHOUSE.
WHICH WE SHOULDN'T. YOU SAY WE'RE ALREADY WORKING ON 'EM, BUT THAT'S MY NOTION RIGHTT NOW.
>> SO WE'RE NOT GOING TO DO THE RATE FIRST? WE'RE GOING TO VOTE ON A BUDGET WHEN WE DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH
MONEY WE HAVE STILL? >> I WAS GOING TO WAIT -- I THOUGHT COMMISSIONER PUSLEY WAS GOING TO DO A RATE THING.
YOU'LL HAVE TO STEP OUT AND -- >> WELL, ACTUALLY, YOU CAN JUST PLUG IN THE NUMBER AND USE THE SAME ORDER, AND HE CAN READ THE SAME ORDER THAT HE WANTS WITH THE RATE THAT HE WANTS AND JUST
PLUG THAT IN, CAN'T YOU? >> WE HAVE TO SAY, LIKE, THE
INCREASE IS GOING TO -- >> BUT YOU JUST SAID IT.
>> BUT I NEED TO GO BACK AND MAKE SURE IT'S CORRECT.
>> IT NEEDS TO BE EXACT. >> IF THAT'S WHAT YOU'RE WANTING HER TO DO, COMMISSIONER PUSLEY, I'D SUGGEST WE TAKE A RECESS AND COME BACK AND LET HER GO WORK ON THESE NUMBERS.
>> YEAH, I AGREE. >> HOW LONG DO YOU NEED,
CONSTANCE? >> MAYBE TEN, 15 MINUTES.
>> LET'S BE BACK AT 11:45. 15-MINUTE RECESS.
DO Y'ALL WANT TO BREAK FOR LUNCH AND COME BACK?
>> I'D RATHER KEEP GOING. DO WE HAVE EXECUTIVE SESSION, OR
>> WHY DON'T WE DO LUNCH, AND THAT'LL GIVE THEM TIME TO GO
THROUGH. >> SO YOU'RE NOT RUSHED AND WE
GET THE RIGHT THING DONE. >> WHAT TIME DO YOU WANT TO COME
BACK, THEN? >> HOW ABOUT 12:30? AN HOUR? IS THAT -- OR LESS, GUYS? WHAT DO YOU WANT? HOW ABOUT 12:15.
45 MINUTES. EVERYBODY CAN LUNCH.
WE ARE RECESSING. I HOPE SOMEB
>> OKAY. IT LOOKS LIKE WE'RE RECORDING.
NUECES COUNTY COURTROOM. BACK BEFORE OUR RECESS.
WE HAD CONSTANCE STEP OUT TO GO WORK ON SOME LANGUAGE AS PER COMMISSIONER PUSLEY HAD A REQUEST.
SO I BELIEVE THE LANGUAGE THAT I WAS PRESENTING -- UNLESS COMMISSIONER PUSLEY WANTS TO TAKE OVER MINE, WAS WANTING TO DO THE CURRENT TAX RATE, BUT I BELIEVE YOU WANT TO ADD A LITTLE BIT ADDITIONAL TO THAT. SO I WILL TELL YOU TAKE OVER,
THE MOTION I WOULD MAKE IS I MOVE THAT THE PROPERTY TAX RATE BE INCREASED BY THE ADOPTION OF A TAX RATE OF .302706 PER 100-DOLLAR VALUATION, WHICH IS EFFECTIVELY A 5.33% INCREASE IN
THE TAX RATE. >> WE NEED TO READ THE ORDER ON THE BACK, BEHIND THERE. DO YOU WANT TO READ ALL OF THAT?
>> THE ORDER ON THE BACK... >> THAT WHOLE ORDER RIGHT THERE.
>> BEFORE WE CAN VOTE ON IT. YES.
>> OKAY. WHEREAS THE COMMISSION --
>> I THOUGHT WE'D MAKE THE MOTION AFTER WE READ THE ORDER. DID SOMEONE MAKE A SECOND, OR WE
DON'T DO THAT YET? >> WE HAVE THE MOTION AND THE
SECOND BY COMMI COMMISSIONER MA. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND ON THIS ORDER, SO THIS ONE STANDS, UNLESS THIS ORDER FAILS.
>> AND THEN YOU'RE GOING TO DO THE BUDGET STUFF AFTER THIS?
[02:25:03]
>> THE BUDGET STUFF AFTER WE DO THE TAX RATE.
IF THAT'S WHAT YOU'RE WANTING. I'M SORRY.
YES. >> AND THIS ONE HERE, WE'RE
DOING BEFORE THE VOTER -- >> THIS IS -- THIS WOULD BE --
>> THE CURRENT TAX RATE AND THE UNUSED INCREMENT IS WHAT I BELIEVE THIS NUMBER REFLECTS. YES.
COMMISSIONER PUSLEY, DO YOU WANT TO READ THAT ORDER?
>> THIS WOULD BE USING OUR CURRENT -- THE UNUSED PORTION,.
>> WHICH EXPIRES THIS YEAR, YES. >> CONSTANCE, YOU SAID THAT GOES AWAY NEXT YEAR, IF WE DON'T USE IT.
SO NOW, WHAT I NEED TO DO? I NEED TO READ THIS?
>> READ THE ORDER BEHIND THERE. >> OKAY.
WHEREAS THE COMMISSIONERS COURT AUTHORIZESES TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR TO COMPUTE THE NON-NEW REVENUE TAX RATE AND VOTER APPROVAL TAX RATE FOR THE 2026 FISCAL YEAR, 2026-2027 FOR NUECES COUNTY AND NUECES FARM TO MARKET.
WHEREAS NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX RATE FULLY IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROPERTY TAX CODE AND THE RULES OF THE STATE COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE APPEARED IN THE CORPUS CHRISTI TIMES FOR NUECES COUNTY AND NUECES COUNTY FARM TO MARKET ON AUGUST 23RD, 2026. AND WHEREAS THE COMMISSIONERS COURT FINDS AND DETERMINES THAT THE PROPER PROCEDURE HAS BEEN FOLLOWED AND TO LAWFULLY CONSIDER THE PROPOSED TAX RATE FOR TAX YEARS 2026, WHICH IS PHYSICAL YEAR 2026-2027, INCLUDING PROPER NOTICE OF THE MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 9TH, 2026 AS PROVIDED BY CHAPTER 551 GOVERNMENT CODE VERNON'S TEXAS CODES AND. AND WHEREAS THE COMMISSIONERS COURT FINDS AND APPROVES OPERATELY THE TAX RATE FOR THE CURRENT YEAR CONSISTING OF THE FOLLOWING TWO COMPONENTS: NUMBER 1, THE TAX SERVICE THAT -- I'M SORRY.
THE DEBT SERVICE TAX RATE OF .032360 PER $100 VALUATION.
>> THOMAS: APPLIED TO THE TOTAL TAXABLE VALUE WILL IMPOSE A TOTAL AMOUNT OF TAXES NEEDED TO PAY DEBT SERVICE FOR THE NEXT YEAR. NUMBER 2, THE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS TAX RATE OF .270346 PER $100 VALUATION, THAT IS APPLIED TO THE TOTAL TAXABLE VALUE WILL IMPOSE THE AMOUNT OF TAXES NEEDED TO FUND MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION EXPENDITURES OF THE COUNTY FOR THE NEXT YEAR. THIS TAX RATE WILL RAISE MORE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS THAN LAST YEAR'S TAX RATE. THIS TAX RATE WILL EFFECTIVELY BE RAISED BY 5.26% AND WILL RAISE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS ON A $100,000 HOME BY APPROXIMATELY $18.17.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THE COMMISSIONERS COURT THAT THE 2026 TAX ROLL AS SUBMITTED BY THE NUECES COUNTY TAX APPROVAL DISTRICT FOR THE NUECES COUNTY TAX ASSESS TORE COLLECTOR, IF APPROVED, AND THAT THE FOLLOWING TAX RATE PER $100 VALUE ARE SET AND LEVIED AGAINST ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY FOR 2026.
DO I NEED TO READ THE BEST? (A), (B), (C)? OH, MAN. (A), NUECES COUNTY GENERAL FUND NMO WILL BE 250081 -- YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER, I'M SLIGHTLY
>> WHICH 'WAITS TO .02006 PER $100 VALUATION.
NUECES COUNTY FARM TO MARKET IT .003340 PER $100 VALUATION.
NUECES COUNTY TOTAL MNO. NUECES COUNTY DEBT SERVICE, .032060 PER $100 VALUATION. TOTAL NUECES COUNTY TAX RATE IS .302706 PER $100 VALUATION. BE IT FURTHER ORDERED THAT THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS FOR 2026 SHALL INCLUDE 20% FOR HOMESTEAD EXCEPTION, BUT NOT LESS THAN $5,000, AND 62,$500 FOR OVER AGED 65 AND DISABLED EXEMPTION.
PLUS A TAX LIMITATION ON THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF TAXES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED ON THE RESIDENT'S HOMESTEAD OF A DISABLED INDIVIDUAL ARE THOSE 65 OR OLDER PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 8.1 (B)
[02:30:01]
(H) OF THE TEXAS CONSTITUTION AND EXEMPTION OF THE FIRST $125,000 OF BUSINESS PERSONAL PROPERTY LOCATION AS PER PROPOSITION 9 HOUSE BILL 9 EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2026 AND ANY OTHER EXEMPTIONS MANDATED BY STATE LAW.AND BE IT FURTHER ORDERED THAT NO DISCOUNTS ARE TO BE ALLOWED FOR EARLY PAYMENT OF TAXES. SPLIT PAYMENT OF TAXES AS DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION 3.1.03 OF THE PROPERTY TAX CODE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED. THE PROPOSED ORDER EXCEPTING AND APPROVING THE 2026 TAX ROLLS, SETTING THE 2026 TAX RATE FOR NUECES COUNTY AND LEVELING SAID TAX RATE ALL AGAINST ACCEPTABLE PROPERTY IN NUECES COUNTY, PUBLIC COMMENTS HAVING BEEN ALLOWED AND COMMENTS HAVING BEEN CONSIDERED.
.302706 PER $100 VALUATION AND TO ADOPT THE COMMISSIONER COURT ORDER MADE BY ME AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MAREZ.
THE COURT VOTED TO ADOPT THE TOTAL TAX RATE OF .302706 PER $100 VALUATION AND TO ADOPT THE COMMISSIONERS COURT ORDER ON THE 9TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2026.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
AND COMMISSION, COMMISSIONER PUSLEY, HOW DO YOU VOTE?
>> YEA. >> COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ?
>> YEA. >> COMMISSIONER CHESNEY?
I AM VOTING YEA, SO IT'S 4 "YEA"S AND 1 "NO." SO NOW WE HAVE TO DO THE SECOND MOTION ON THAT.
COMMISSIONER, DO YOU WANT TO. >> YES.
I'D LIKE TO FURTHER -- I MOVE THAT THE COURT ADOPT AN ORDER SETTING THE COUNTY TAX RATE AS JUST APPROVED, INCLUDING THE DISCLOSURES REQUIRED BY TAX CODE 26.05 (B), AS IN BOY, AND LEVELING SAID TAX RATE AGAINST ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY IN NUECES
>> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
COMMISSIONER PUSLEY, HOW DO YOU VOTE?
>> YEA. >> COMMISSIONER MAREZ?
>> YEA. >> COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ?
>> -- BEFORE WE COME BACK. SO WHEN WE COME BACK, WE'LL STILL BE ABLE TO CHANGE THINGS? I MEAN --
>> WE HAVEN'T VOTED ON THE ITEMS TO INCLUDE.
THIS IS JUST THE TAX RATE TO BE ABLE TO FUND THE THINGS.
>> WE TALKED ABOUT THE CURRENT ONE, RIGHT?
>> THE CURRENT TAX RATE, PLUS THE UNUSED INCREMENT, WHICH YOU
JUST VOTED ON THE PREVIOUS ONE. >> WE'RE NOT GOING TO 3.1.
WE'RE GOING TO 2.8. >> I DON'T KNOW WHERE YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT 2.8. IT'S .30 -- IT'S THE SAME THING -- YOU JUST VOTED BEFORE ON THIS.
>> I DON'T GET TOO FAR AND COME BACK OUT.
>> IT'S JUST THE TAX RATE. IT'S THE VOTER --
>> OKAY, YOU CAN ALWAYS CHANGE MY MIND.
AND COMMISSIONER CHESNEY? >> NO.
>> MYSELF AS AN YEA AS WELL. NOW WE VOTE ON THE --
>> OKAY. NOW WHAT ARE WE DOING?
[B. Discuss and consider adopting an Order rescinding prior year budget resolutions and orders.]
HUH? NOW WE HAVE THE ORDERS, AND THEN WE'RE COULD GO GOING TO COME BACK TO THE INCLUSIONS IN THE T OR DO WE DO THE BUDGET INCLUSIONS NOW?>> WE'LL JUST DO 6-POINT (B). WE'LL FOLLOW THE ORDERS.
>> DISCUSS AND CONSIDER ADOPTING THE ORDER RESCINDING ALL PRIOR YEAR BUDGET RESOLUTIONS AND ORDERS.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND. WE DON'T HAVE TO VOTE ON THESE
INDIVIDUALLY, RIGHT? >> ALL THESE IN FAVOR, SAY "YEA." ANY OPPOSED? THE MOTION PASSES. AND THEY'RE IN THE BACK OF YOUR BOOKLETS, THE ORDERS. ITEM (C): DISCUSS AND CONSIDERING ADOPTION OF ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS RELATED TO THE PRO 2026 '27 NUES COUNTY BUDGET.
AND THOSE ARE THE SAME ONES THAT WE HAVE DONE.
>> MOTION TO APPROVE. >> I NEED TO --
>> I DON'T HAVE THIS. >> I DON'T HAVE THESE?
>> I SHOULD AND I LEFT IT IN THE OTHER ROOM.
>> SORRY. >> SECOND THAT MOTION.
>> DO YOU WANT ME TO READ OFF WHAT THEY ARE FIRST? ORDER OF NIECES COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT AFFECTING
[02:35:02]
SUBJECT AUTHORITY FOR EMPLOYEE POSITIONS.EACH EMPLOYEE POSITION HAS VACANT AS OF OCTOBER 1ST OR BECOMES VACANT OR THEREAFTER DURING THE BUDGET SERVE AS A SURPLUS. SO --
>> CAN I JUST LOOK REAL QUICK? THESE ARE ALL I HAVE BUT THE AIM SWORDS WE HAVE DONE PREVIOUSLY EVERY YEAR.
-- SAME ORDERS WE HAVE DONE PREVIOUSLY EVERY YEAR.
THEY ARE ON THE BACK. THERE IS SOME ON THE BACK I THINK. IS IT ON THE FRONT?
IT'S OUR STANDARD ONES. >> (INAUDIBLE).
>> THIS IS SETTING THE TRAVEL AND MILEAGE INCREASING THAT.
ONE THING THAT HASN'T BEEN VOTED ON YET, SO I WOULD HOLD THAT ONE OFF. INTERFUND LOANS IS A REGULAR ONE. RESERVE ACCOUNT FOR DEPOSIT RECEIVED FROM THE SALE OF FIXED ASSETS.
ALL OF THESE ARE STANDARD THAT WE HAVE DONE EVERY YEAR, CORRECT, OTHER THAN PER DIEM AND TRAVEL.
>> THAT'S CORRECT. >> JUST WANTED TO NOTE ON THE ONE ORDER THAT WAS FOR THE SETTING THE MINIMUM GENERAL FUND RESERVES, WE TOOK COMMISSIONER CHESNEY'S SUGGESTION UTILIZING APPROPRIATIONS AND TRANSFERS AND NOT REVENUE LIKE WE DID LAST
YEAR. >> SO WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. DO YOU ALL STILL WANT TO MOVE FORWARD WITH YOUR MOTION WITH THE TRAVEL AND PER DIEM --
>> MAKE SURE I UNDERSTAND. INCREASING PER DIEM.
>> AND TRAVEL. IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE YOUR MOTION WANT TODAY MAKE SURE YOU KNEW IT WAS ONE OF THESE SIX.
>> INTERFUND ONE (INAUDIBLE) 2 MILLION STANDARD THAT THE GENERAL FUND CAN LOAN TO THE GRANTS FUND CASH FLOW BIG EXPENSES BEFORE GETTING GRANT REIMBURSEMENT.
MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER RAISING THAT FOR THAT TIME BECAUSE THAT
COULD BE HIGH. >> WE TALKED ABOUT THAT COULD FLUCTUATE GOING UP AND DOWN. I'M NOT REALLY SURE HOW WE WOULD RAISE -- HOW MUCH WE WOULD PUT THAT IN.
CAN WE MAKE AN EXCEPTION FOR IT. YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO NOTIFY US AND LET US KNOW WHEN IT'S QUESTIONABLY HIGH.
>> AT LEAST TELL YOU WHAT IT IS. >> TELL YOU WHAT IT IS.
>> WHAT I WOULD SUGGEST MAYBE THAT CAN COME BACK LATER AND BE ADOPTED. BECAUSE WE HAVE NUMBER CRUNCH.
OR SAY AS NEEDED BY THE GRANT FUND.
>> OKAY, WHAT DID YOU SAY? WHATEVER IS IN IT ANNUAL ALREADY SHOULD HAVE BEEN ENOUGH TO COVER EVERYTHING, RIGHT?
>> BECAUSE WE HAD TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THESE, WE SOMETIMES HAVE TO FUND THROUGH THE COUNTY FUND AND WAIT FOR THE GLO TO REIMBURSE US. SO HE IS SAYING WE MAY AT TIMES HAVE TO LOAN OURSELVES THE MONEY TO MAKE THOSE PURCHASES, YES.
GO AHEAD. DO YOU ALL NEED US TO WAIT?
YOU ARE FINE. >> CREATIVE ACCOUNTING GOING ON.
I THINK IN LIGHT OF THE CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES MAYBE THIS SHOULD
>> AS NEEDED. BECAUSE WE STILL HAVE THAT OTHER POLICY THAT SAYS WE SHOULDN'T BE GETTING INTO OUR RESERVES WHICH HAVE TO STAY INTACT I THINK WE HAVE HAD THAT DISCUSSION HAVE TO GO INTO THAT TOO. IT COULD BE QUITE LARGE.
UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, THE COUNTY PAYS EXPENSES THAT WE ANTICIPATE GETTING REIMBURSED BY GRANTS BUT WE HAVE TO PAY THEM FIRST AND WAIT FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT WHICH COULD BE ONE TO THREE MONTHS LATER. NORMALLY IT'S NOT A PROBLEM.
WE CAN STAY WITHIN THE TWO MILLION MOST OF THESE COULD HAVE PAID FOR AND NOT GOTTEN REIMBURSED YET.
>> I'M NOT EVEN FINDING THE TWO MILLION ONE.
>> IN AGENDA ITEM CALLED COMMISSIONERS COURT RESOLUTION REGARDING INTERCOURT FUND LOANS. THIRD ONE, ON THE ELECTRONIC
VERSION THIRD ATTACHMENT DOWN. >> I TOOK MINE OUT TO SHOW SOMEBODY ELSE SO ALL OUT OF ORDER.
>> HAD A IT ESSENTIALLY SAYS YOU CAN ONLY DO THIS UP TO $2 MILLION. WITH IT 31.5 MILLION OUT THERE PLUS THESE OTHER GRANTS BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN KICKING UP THE GRANT ACTIVITY GO WAY BEYOND THIS 2 MILLION AT SOME POINT IN
TIME. >> SO CAN WE JUST ADD LANGUAGE IN THERE AND MOVE FORWARD WITH THESE THE WAY THEY ARE ON THIS ONE INTERFUND LOANS TO AS NEEDED BY IT OR SOMETHING.
>> IT IS NOT THE ONLY ONE. WHAT I WOULD SUGGEST MAYBE OKAY HERE'S THE WAY IT READS RESOLVED THAT THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OF
[02:40:01]
NUECES COUNTY THAT MONIES FROM THE COUNTY'S GENERAL FUND UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 2 MILLION, I WOULD SET THAT AT SAY 10 MILLION.>> I THINK WE SHOULD PASS THESE RESOLUTIONS ONE BY ONE.
GETTING A LITTLE COMPLICATED. >> LET'S GO BACK.
>> I AGREE. >> LET'S GO BACK TO THE FIRST ONE. YES.
>> DO INDIVIDUALLY NOW. >> PULLING BACK THE MOTION AND
SECOND. >> I THINK WE SHOULD READ WHATEVER MOTION WE ARE GOING TO PASS INTO THE RECORD AND MAKE A
MOTION. >> THE BUDGET AUTHORITY EMPLOYEE
POSITIONS IS FIRST. >> FOR DISCUSSION SAKE MAKE A MOTION TO PASS THAT, THEN HOPEFULLY A SECOND AND CAN READ
THAT INTO THE RECORD. >> SECOND.
GO AHEAD, YES. DO YOU HAVE IT READY TO READ.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO READ IT PLEASE.
>> I HAD MADE A MOTION AND I THINK JOHN, SO I NEED TO
WE THOUGHT YOU ALREADY WITHDRAWN.
>> I WITHDRAW MY MOTION. >> THANK YOU.
>> AND JOHN DOES TOO. THE LAST MOTION IS WITHDRAWN.
NOW GO AHEAD COMMISSIONER. >> THIS IS ON ITEM 6 B WE ARE TALKING ABOUT, GO EACH ONE ONE BY ONE.
[C. Discuss and consider adoption of Orders and Resolutions related to the proposed 2026-2027 Nueces County Budget.]
>> RESCINDED. DOWN TO C, C AS IN CAT.
>> APPROVED A AND B. >> TRAVEL AND MILEAGE REGARDING COUNTY -- I'M LOOKING FOR THE ONE THAT SAYS THAT.
>> HAVE MOTIONS IN ORDER THAT YOU CAN READ, PLEASE.
>> YES. >> ALL BUDGET OFFICERS SHOULD BE
PRESENTING THIS STUFF. >> WANT TO READ THE BUDGET AUTHORITY EMPLOYEE POSITIONS SOMEONE.
>> I WILL READ IT. >> ORDER OF THE NUECES COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT AFFECTING BUDGETS AUTHORITY FOR EMPLOYEE POSITIONS. THIS ORDER APPLIES TO AND AFFECTS ALL EMPLOYEES WHO ARE AUTHORIZED ONE BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF SUBSECTION 152.011 LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE, TEXAS CODES OR OTHER AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT TO SET COMPENSATION AND CONTROL THE ANNUAL BUDGET AND TWO ALL EMPLOYEES AUTHORIZED IN THE 2026, 2027 COUNTY BUDGET EXCEPT THREE DOES NOT APPLY TO EMPLOYEES OVER WHICH THE COMMISSIONERS COURT HAVE NO AUTHORITY TO SET COMPENSATION. IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED FOR EACH EMPLOYEE POSITION THAT IS VACANT AS OF OCTOBER 1ST, 2026 OR BECOMES VACANT ON OCTOBER 1ST, 2026 OR THEREAFTER DURING BUDGET YEAR 2026-2027 SALARY SAVE INFORMATION ALL DEPARTMENTS FROM VACANT POSITIONS SERVE AS A SURPLUS THAT INCREASES THE FUND BALANCE AT THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR. OUTSIDE OF THE BUDGET PROCESS NO DEPARTMENT WILL BE AUTHORIZED TO REALLOCATE SALARY FUNDS FOR OPERATIONAL SHORTAGES WITH THE EXCEPTION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND JUVENILE PREPOSED ADJUDICATION FACILITIES OPERATIONS WHICH WOULD BE REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN A NET ZERO CHANGE TO THE GENERAL FUND. THIS REQUEST WILL REQUIRE COMMISSIONERS COURT APPROVAL. BUDGETED VACANT POSITIONS SHALL REMAIN VACANT UNTIL REQUEST TO FILL THE POSITION THAT IS BROUGHT TO COMMISSIONERS COURT FOR APPROVAL PASSES BY MAJORITY VOTE. THE DELETING OF A BUDGETED VACANT POSITION TO COVER SALARY RECLASSIFICATIONS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27.
NO RECLASSIFICATIONS BUDGETED POCKSES INCLUDED IN THE ADOPTED BUDGET WILL BE AUTHORIZED. EXCEPTIONS OR EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL BE AUTHORIZED AS DETERMINED BY COMMISSIONERS COURT. THE SALARY AND FRINGE BENEFITS FOR EACH VACANT EMPLOYEE POSITION MAY BE TRANSFERRED BY COMMISSIONERS COURT TO A SPECIAL RESERVE DESIGNATED BY THE COUNTY AUDITOR. THE AUTHORITY AND FUNDS PROVIDED BY THIS BUDGET ARE FROZEN FOR EACH VACANT POSITION UNTIL RELEASED AND REINSTATED BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT.
SIGNED AND ENTERED INTO THIS DATE THE 9TH DAY OF
>> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOUR SAY AYE. >> (TOGETHER): AYE.
MOTION PASSES UNANIMOUSLY. MOVING ON TO THE TRAVEL I BELIEVE IS NEXT. I HAVE THEM IN ORDER NOW IF YOU WANT ME TO HELP READ THEM. I PUT MINE IN ORDER.
COMMISSIONERS COURT RESOLUTION SETTING THE TRAVEL MILEAGE AND PER DIEM REIMBURSEMENT RATES, COMMISSIONERS COURT FROM TIME TO TIME SETS THE TRAVEL POLICY FOR EXPENSES AND OTHER TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENTS FOR OFFICIAL AND COUNTY EMPLOYEES AND WHEREAS FUEL COSTS AND OTHER FACTORS HAVE INCREASED THE COST TO COUNTY OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES WHO UNDERTAKE REASONABLE AND NECESSARY TRAVEL FOR THE PURPOSES OF COUNTY BUSINESS NOW
[02:45:02]
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OF NUECES COUNTY THAT THE TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT RATE FOR MILEAGE IS HEREBY SET AT 72.5 CENTS PER MILE AND THE PER DIEM RATE SET AT $25 PER MEAL UP TO $75 PER DAY.THIS ORDER IS EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1ST, 2026 AND APPLIES TO TRAVEL TAKEN DURING THE BUDGET YEAR OF 26-27 DULY ADOPTED BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OF NUECES COUNTY ON THIS 9TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2026. MOTION TO APPROVE?
>> SECOND. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PUSLEY. IN FAVOUR SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED. MOTION PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.
>> PUTS US ON PAR WITH WHAT RECOMMENDED PER DIEM
[D. Discuss and consider Adoption of the Proposed 2026-2027 Nueces County Budget as presented by the Commissioners Court Budget Officer for Nueces County including decisions regarding whether to continue outside agency contracts, county programs, and personnel changes (including but not limited to) pay, steps, freezing, reduction-in-force and consolidation or elimination of certain Nueces County departments for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, and related matters (Pursuant to Tex. Gov't Code § 551.043 (c), the Taxpayer Impact Statement and the draft budget are attached to this meeting notice.) ]
REIMBURSEMENTS ARE. >> THEN THE NEXT ONE I BELIEVE IS THE COMMISSIONERS COURT REGARDING COUNTY INTERFUND LOANS. DO YOU WANT TO READ.
WE'LL ALTERNATE BACK AND FORTH. AFTER THIS ONE I WILL LET YOU
>> I'M HAPPY TO READ ONE. >> COMMISSIONERS COURT REGARDING COUNTER INTERFUND LOAN WHEREAS A NUMBER OF GRANTS AWARDED TO THE COUNTY REIMBURSABLE GRANTS REQUIRING TO EXPAND COUNTY MONIES BEFORE GETTING ACCESS TO THE GRANT FUNDS.
HAVE TO PAY FOR THESE IN ADVANCE AND REIMBURSE US.
WHEREAS THE COMMISSIONERS COURT FROM TIME TO TIME MAY NEED TO FUND GRANT PROJECTS IN THE INTERIM BEFORE BEING REIMBURSED WITH GRANT FUNDS. WHEREAS THE FUNDING OF THESE GRANT PROJECTS CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH A SHORT-TERM COUNTY INTERFUND LOAN, IE LOANING MONIES FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO THE GRANTS OPERATING FUND UNTIL THE GRANT FUNDING IS RECEIVED AND WHEREAS THE PURPOSE OF THIS RESOLUTION SHORT-TERM ENTERFUND LOAN IS MEANT TO REFER TO CREDIT DEBIT ACCOUNTING ENTRIES AND COUNTY'S BALANCE SHEET BETWEEN TWO COUNTY FUNDS AND IS NOT MEANT TO INDICATE A TRADITIONAL LOAN WHEREAS INTEREST MAY BE ACCRUED. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OF NUECES COUNTY THAT MONIES FROM THE COUNTY GENERAL FUND AS NEEDED, THE WORDING IS GOING TO
CHANGE DIRECTLY, ALIAS. >> LIKE IT TO.
>> MAY BE USED TO PROVIDE THE COUNTY'S GRANT OPERATING FUND WITH A SHORT-TERM INTERFUND LOAN PENDING RECEIPT OF APPLICABLE GRANT FUNDS. UPON RECEIPT OF GRANT FUNDS THE COUNTY'S GENERAL FUND WILL BE IMMEDIATELY CREDITED THE MONIES RECEIVED. AND WITH THE CORRECTION THIS ORDER IS EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1ST, 2026 AND APPLIES TO GRANT FUNDING NECESSARY DURING BUDGET YEAR 2026-2027 DULY ADOPTED BY VOTE OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OF NUECES COUNTY ON THIS 9TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER AND MAKE THE MOTION TO APPROVE. WITH THE CORRECTED LANGUAGE.
>> I WAS GOING TO SAY SECOND. IS THAT YOUR RECOMMENDATION HOW WE CORRECT THAT, IS THAT WORDED CORRECTLY NOW?
>> HERE'S THE WORDING CHANGE. THE FIRST ONE REALLY LIKE TO SEE THAT FIFTH PARAGRAPH NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OF NUECES COUNTY THAT MONIES FROM THE COUNTY'S GENERAL FUND AND STRIKE THE WORDS UP TO A MAXIMUM OF $2 MILLION SO THE NEW SENTENCE READ THE MONIES FROM THE COUNTY'S GENERAL FUND MAY BE USED TO PROVIDE COUNTY'S GRANT OPERATING FUND WITH AND THEN CORRECT THIS PART SHORT-TERM INTERFUND LOAN PENDING RECEIPT OF APPLICABLE FUNDS.
>> WORDING THAT DOESN'T NEED TO BE THERE.
DELETE THE LIMIT AND IT'S ALREADY IN THERE.
THAT'S PERFECT. >> OPTIONAL LAST WHEREAS TO DO DEBIT AND CREDIT IN THE BOOK WHICH WOULD BE CHANGING ALMOST DAILY EVERY TIME SOMETHING GETS PAID WE WOULD HAVE TO KEEP CHANGING IT. THAT LAST WHEREFORE CAN BE TAKEN OUT AND PERIODICALLY OPEN A FORMAL TRANSFER OF FUNDS IN THE BOOKS AND GET RID OF IT AS SOON AS IT GETS REIMBURSED.
REIMBURSEMENTSES COME IN AT DIFFERENT TIMES.
>> I THOUGHT YOU WANTED SOME LIMIT ON THE TRANSFER AMOUNT.
>> THE MONEY IN THE BANK WOULD BE THE LIMIT.
BALANCE OF THE BANK ACCOUNT. >> I THOUGHT SOME LIMIT --
>> PLAYING WITH TEN BUT IRRESPONSIBLE BUT I DIDN'T KNOW
ABOUT -- >> TRYING TO COME UP WITH A POLICY DOESN'T PUT THE COUNTY IN A FINANCIAL PREDICAMENT.
WHAT'S YOUR RECOMMENDATION. NEED SOME MONEY.
CAN'T SAY WHAT MONEY IS IN THE BANK.
>> WANT ME TO MAKE UP A NUMBER I CAN DO THAT.
-- >> REQUEST WAS FOR YOU TO GIVE US A RECOMMENDATION BASED ON GOOD ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES AND AUDITING PRINCIPLES NOT WHAT YOU THINK THE COURT MIGHT LIKE OR DISLIKE BUT WHAT YOU THINK -- WE CAN OVERRULE WHAT YOU THINK BUT WHAT IS A PRUDENT POLICY THAT DOESN'T PUT COUNTY IN A FINANCIAL PREDICAMENT BY GOING TOO FAR INTO ITS RESERVES.
>> HE PRESENTED IT LAST TIME AT A MEETING AND I DON'T REMEMBER
WHAT THE NUMBER WAS. >> I'M SAYING WHAT'S THE NUMBER.
>> I HAD A NUMBER OF 9 MILLION SAYING THAT'S OUR CAPACITY AT
[02:50:02]
THAT MOMENT IN TIME BETWEEN THE 35 MILLION THAT WE HAD IN THE GENERAL FUND -- OR IN THE BANK BALANCE -- GENERAL FUND MINUS THE RESERVES OF 25 MILLION. SO 9 MILLION IS OUR CAPACITY.AND THE DISCUSSION RIGHT AFTER THAT YEAH NO WAY WE CAN STAY WITHIN THAT WHEN WE DON'T KNOW THE TIMING.
REMEMBER THAT WAS THE BIGGIE SITTING IN THE ROOM.
>> THAT YOUR RECOMMENDATION. >> NO.
IN ORDER TO GIVE YOU AN ANSWER AS TO WHAT THE DOLLAR AMOUNT NEEDS TO BE HAS TO BE CASH FLOWED.
DIDN'T WORK. NO ONE CAN TELL US THE TIMING WHEN LAND OR PARCELS WILL BE PURCHASED AT THE SAME TIME, WHEN THE CONSTRUCTION WOULD BEGIN, THE TIMING OF THE OUTFLOWS.
THAT WHOLE THING IS A BIG QUESTION MARK.
>> GOT TO HAVE SOMETHING. PERCENTAGE.
SOMETHING YOU CAN SAY A PERCENTAGE OF SO EBBS AND FLOWS.
>> WHAT IF WE SAY NOT GOING BELOW THE 25 MILLION BALANCE IN
OUR ACCOUNT. >> I THINK THAT'S GOING TO CUT
>> LET'S SAY SAY 15 MILLION WENT OUT AT ONE TIME AND STILL WAITING ON REIMBURSEMENT AND TAKES TWO MONTHS.
I WOULD SAY -- IF I HAD TO STICK A NUMBER TO IT WHICH I DON'T HAVE A BASIS FOR ONE BUT I WOULD SAY TO THE EXTENT NEEDED BY THE
GRANT FUND. >> BUT THAT'S -- NO OFFENCE THAT'S NOT WHAT WE ASKED YOU TO GIVE US.
YOU CAME BACK WITH A NUMBER. BECAUSE SOME OF US PUSHED BACK DON'T CHANGE YOUR OPINION. IF YOUR OPINION OUGHT TO BE SOMETHING WE NEED YOU TO TELL US WHAT YOUR OPINION IS AND NOT CHANGE. IF YOUR OPINION IS X AND WE OVERRIDE YOUR OPINION, GREAT. BUT IF YOU ARE GOING TO CHANGE YOUR OPINION EVERY TIME YOU GET A LITTLE PUSH BACK WHAT GOOD IS IT? I NEED TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK IS FINANCIALLY PRUDENT, WHETHER A PERCENTAGE, NUMBER OR SOMETHING IF THIS COURT DOESN'T AGREE WITH YOU, THAT'S ON THIS COURT TO MAKE A BUSINESS DECISION. BUT YOU ARE THE ACCOUNTANT.
I DON'T HAVE A CLUE WHAT THE RIGHT NUMBER IS.
YOU CAME IN WITH 9. I DIDN'T OBJECT TO 9.
MAYBE SOMEBODY ELSE DID AND YOU THEN --
THAT'S WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO IS VOTE ON SOMETHING.
>> LET ME CLARIFY. AND I WILL TRY TO COME UP WITH SOMETHING. THE 9 WAS THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION WHAT'S OUR CAPACITY. AND AT THAT MOMENT IN TIME THE CAPACITY WAS 9 MILLION. OKAY.
BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN THAT WE'RE GOING TO STAY WITHIN 9 MILLION GOING FORWARD INTO THE FUTURE. THE ONLY WAY TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION GET AN ACCURATE CASH FLOW.
WE COULDN'T DO IT. NOBODY CAN GIVE ME TIMING OF ANYTHING. IT'S HARD TO ANSWER THE QUESTION. TOO MANY VARIABLES THAT I DON'T
KNOW. >> THE $31 MILLION NOT ALL GOING TO HIT THE BOOKS AT THE SAME TIME.
>> CORRECT. ONE OF MY PROJECTS PROBABLY -- IT WILL PROBABLY BE MID-NEXT YEAR BEFORE IT PAYS OUT.
EARLIEST. THEY ARE GOING TO DRIBBLE IN.
I THINK IF WE STUCK WITH ORIGINAL 9 MILLION ESTIMATE THIS COURT HAS THE CAPACITY TO MODIFY THAT ON A CASE BY CASE BASE
PHYSICAL WE NEED TO. >> THAT'S FINE.
>> THE COURT PUT UNDER THE COURT CAN CHANGE.
>> WHY NOT SAY 10 MILLION SUBJECT TO PERIODIC REVISION.
>> GIVES THE FLEXIBILITY OR YOU GUYS FLEXIBILITY TO CHANGE THAT.
>> IF YOU THINK A PERCENTAGE IS BETTER GIVE ME A PERCENTAGE.
GIVES IT MORE FLEXIBILITY. I NEED SOMETHING THAT YOU RECOMMEND. IF YOU RECOMMEND 10 MILLION THAT'S WHAT I'M GOING WITH. BECAUSE YOU ARE THE AUDITOR.
>> I'M GOING TO MODIFY MY MOTION TO ADD THE LANGUAGE IN NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OF NUECES COUNTY THAT MONIES FROM THE COUNTY'S GENERAL FUND UP TO $10 MILLION MAY BE USED TO PROVIDE COUNTY'S GRANT OPERATING FUND WITH A SHORT-TERM INTERFUND LOAN PENDING RECEIPT OF APPLICABLE GRANT FUNDS, UPON RECEIPT OF THE GRANT FUNDS THE GENERAL FUND WILL BE CREDITED AND MONIES RECEIVED AND ADD A SENTENCE THIS CAN BE BROUGHT BACK TO COURT FOR ADDITIONAL APPROVAL AS AUTHORIZED BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT.
>> PERIODICALLY REVISED. >> YES.
>> SURE. >> PERIODICALLY REVISED BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT -- VOTE OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT.
YES. >> AND THEN MAYBE STRIKE THAT WHEREAS BECAUSE THAT WILL BE A MOVING NUMBER, THAT LAST
WHEREAS. >> WHERE IS THE LAST WHEREAS.
>> UP ABOVE THAT PARAGRAPH. >> ABOVE THAT.
SHORT-TERM INTER-- NOT MEANT TO INDICATE TRADITIONAL LOAN. I THINK IT'S JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE BEING CLEAR THAT WE ARE NOT CHARGING OURSELVES INTEREST TO PAY THE LOAN. SO I DON'T THINK IT'S -- IT'S LIKE IT'S NOT TO BE MEANT TO BE A LOAN WHERE INTEREST WOULD BE ACCRUED. SO WE ARE GIVING IT TO OURSELVES
COVERING US. >> EVEN WITH THE $10 MILLION WE'LL HAVE TO ON A GO FORWARD BASIS YEAR IN AND YEAR OUT OR MONTH IN, MONTH OUT THE COURT WILL HAVE TO BE ADVISED AS TO
[02:55:01]
>> THAT'S WHAT I'M SUPPOSED TO DO.
>> THAT $10 MILLION TOP IS NO DIFFERENT IF YOU SAID $10 MILLION BOTTOM. IT'S THE SAME THING.
>> GIVES US THE FLEXIBILITY -- >> ALMOST SEEMS LIKE OUGHT TO COME UP WITH LANGUAGE THAT BASICALLY SAYS REIMBURSEMENT IS GOING TO REQUIRE COURT APPROVAL, PERIOD.
>> YEAH, BUT THE MCCANN I CANS COULD HOLD IT UP.
>> SOMETIMES IT WOULD BE WAITING.
>> WE JUST MOVE ON IT WHEN THE TIME COMES, I SIGN, JUDGE SIGNS AND GET OUT THE DOOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
>> PROPERTY PURCHASING AND THINGS THAT NEED TO ACT FAST.
I THINK UP TO THAT AMOUNT -- >> WE DO THAT AND RATIFY SO SAME
THING. >> I DON'T LIKE TO RATIFY AND BRING TO COURT AND TELL YOU ALL I MADE A DECISION.
I PREFER THAT WE ALL -- SORRY.
PUTTING ME IN A POSITION WHERE I DON'T WANT TO BE THE ONE SAYING
WE ARE PUTTING IT ANYWAY. >> I THINK IT NEEDS TO COME BACK TO THE COURT BEFORE IT'S CHANGED.
I THINK FOR THE MOST PART WE SHOULD STAY WITHIN THE TEN.
IT'S NOT JUST IT OTHER STUFF A TOO.
>> WE'LL KNOW AFTER AWHILE WHERE IT IS AND MAKE ADJUSTMENTS IF NECESSARY. I THINK IT'S A GOOD START AND AGREE WITH IT. DID YOU MAKE THAT SECOND.
WHO DID THE SECOND ON MY MOTION? >> HE DID.
>> CHESNEY DID, OKAY. >> CHESNEY, SORRY.
>> WITH THOSE CHANGES A MOTION AND SECOND.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOUR SAY AYE. >> AYE.
>> 10 MILLION WITH LIMIT OF 10 MILLION.
HAS EVERYBODY VOTED OR ANYBODY NOT VOTED.
>> I SAID WITH THOSE CHANGES WITH THE MOTION AND SECOND ALL
THOSE IN FAVOUR SAY AYE. >> AYE.
>> AYE MP. >> IT'S UNANIMOUS UNLESS YOU YELL OUT AND TELL ME I'M WRONG. THANK YOU.
OKAY THE NEXT ONE THE COMMISSIONERS COURT RESOLUTION ORDER ESTABLISHING FINANCIAL GUIDELINES FOR MINIMUM GENERAL FUND RESERVES. COMMISSIONERS COURT RESOLUTION ORDER ESTABLISHING FINANCIAL GUIDELINES FOR MINIMUM GENERAL FUND RESERVES, SOUND FISCAL POLICIES ARE CRUCIAL TO ENABLING THE COUNTY TO MAINTAIN LONG-TERM FINANCIAL STABILITY AND EXCELLENT BOND RATING WHEREAS TAX REFERENCE ARE NOT NORMALLY COLLECTED UNTIL MID-DECEMBER EACH YEAR AND AS SUCH ADEQUATE FUND RESERVES ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE OPERATING MONIES FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF EACH FISCAL YEAR.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED AND ORDERED BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OF NUECES COUNTY THAT IT IS THE COURT'S CONTINUED GOAL FOR BUDGET YEAR 2026-2027 TO MAINTAIN A MINIMUM GENERAL FUND RESERVE OF 25% OF GENERAL FUND BUDGETED APPROPRIATIONS AND
>> WE HAVE A MOTION -- >> SAME THING.
>> WE HAVE ALREADY ALLOWED YOU TO USE UP TO TEN.
>> THIS NEEDS TO REFLECT IT BECAUSE THE OTHER ONE ALLOWS FLEXIBILITY AND THIS ONE BLOCKS IT AGAIN.
>> WHAT DOES THIS BLOCK? >> THE ABILITY TO GO INTO THE 25% RESERVES. THE WAY THIS POLICY WORKS --
>> WE HAVE BEEN TOLD BY BOND COUNSEL TO NOT SCREW WITH THAT.
IF YOU GOT DIFFERENT -- I'M TELLING YOU THIS IS WHAT BOND COUNSEL COMES IN, I TALKED ABOUT IT THIS THREE, FOUR YEARS AGO AND SAID IF YOU START REDUCING YOUR RESERVE AMOUNT THE BOND PEOPLE WILL THINK SOMETHING'S WRONG AND BLAH, BLAH, BLAH. IF YOU HAVE GOT OTHER INFORMATION. THAT HAS BEEN TOLD TO US BY YEARS BY BOND COUNSEL NOT TO EVER REDUCE THAT 25%.
>> WOULD YOU MIND IF I SPOKE TO BOND COUNSEL ON THAT.
BECAUSE OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION HAS IMPROVED.
>> DON'T HAVE TO ASK FOR PERMISSION.
TALK TO EVERYONE. >> WHO IS OUR BOND COUNSEL.
>> IT WAS WHAT'S HIS NAME. >> (INAUDIBLE).
>> BLAKELEY FERNANDEZ. >> SHE IS COUNSEL.
>> BOND -- NO NOT COUNSEL. >> I SAID IT WRONG YOU ARE RIGHT. BOND WHATEVER HE WAS.
>> FINANCIAL ADVISOR AND SHE IS OUR BOND COUNSEL.
GOT THAT ONE BACKWARDS. >> NOT THE BOND COUNSEL.
>> NEED TO TALK. >> WHOEVER IS DOING THAT . PGH
>> ALL CONSIDER THOUGH ADDING A TEMPORARY PHRASE TO THIS BECAUSE THIS IS A HARD FAST DON'T CROSS THIS LINE IN THE EVENT BOND COUNSEL CAN ALWAYS BRING THIS BACK.
[INTERJECTIONS] >> I THINK IF IT GETS TO THAT WE'LL ADDRESS THAT WHEN IT HAPPENS.
>> AS LONG AS OPEN TO IT COMING BACK.
>> I'M NOT OPEN TO IT COMING BACK.
I THOUGHT IT SHOULD STAY AT 25%. I WAS THINKING GOING UP.
WE ARE WAY OVER 25%. WE ARE IN GREAT SHAPE.
I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD CHANGE THAT.
>> THROW A NUMBER AT YOU. WITH THE NEW BUDGET AND I DON'T
KNOW ABOUT ALL THE CHANGES -- >> OTHER PEOPLE CAN BRING IT BACK. I'M TELLING YOU I DON'T WANT US
TO CHANGE FROM 25. >> (INAUDIBLE) RIGHT NOW WITH
[03:00:06]
THIS BUDGET AS IT'S PRESENTED 35.6 MILLION CANNOT BE TOUCHED.SO THAT PUTS US STRICTLY WITHIN THAT TEN MILLION.
>> HAVE 50 PLUS MILLION IN RESERVES.
>> 51 FORECASTED. WE DON'T KNOW WHAT -- 51 MINUS
35 THERE IS OUR NUMBER. >> MORE THAN 10.
>> MORE THAN TEN. JUST IN CASE.
HATE TO SEE A LAND OPPORTUNITY COME UP AND HAVE TO SAY NO
BECAUSE WE CAN'T CASH FLOW IT. >> I THINK THOSE ARE EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES WE CAN ADDRESS WHEN THEY HAPPEN.
I DON'T THINK THAT WILL BE THE NORM.
>> AS LONG AS EVERYBODY'S ON THE SAME PAGE.
>> COMMISSIONER CHESNEY YOU MADE THE MOTION.
COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ YOU SECOND.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOUR SAY AYE. >> AYE.
MOTION PASSES UNANIMOUSLY, THANK YOU.
MOVING ON TO THE COMMISSIONERS COURT RESOLUTION AND ORDER ESTABLISHING FINANCIAL GUID GUIDELINES FOR USE OF EXCESS REVENUE GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS AT THE RICHARD ORCHARD FAIRGROUNDS. WHEREAS SOUND FISCAL POLICIES ARE CRUCIAL TO ENABLING THE COUNTY TO MAINTAIN ITS LONG-TERM FINANCIAL STABILITY AND ENABLE THE COUNTY TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR OPERATING THE FAIRGROUNDS AND WHEREAS ANNUAL OPERATING FUNDS AND PERIODIC CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUNDING IS NECESSARY TO ALLOW PROPER MANAGEMENT OF THE FAIRGROUND COMPLEX AND WHEREAS REFERENCE WILL BE GENERATED FROM ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS HELD AT THE FAIRGROUNDS. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED AND ORDERED BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OF NUECES COUNTY THAT FOR NUECES COUNTY TEXAS FOR BUDGET YEAR 2026, 2027 ALL EXCESS REVENUE EARNINGS GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS AT THE FAIRGROUNDS SHALL BE REINVESTED BACK INTO THE FAIRGROUNDS FOR FUNDING GENERAL OPERATIONS, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND EXPANSION.
DO WE DO THIS ONE EVERY YEAR. >> YES, MA'AM.
>> THANK YOU. >> DO WE EVER HAVE EXCESS
>> THANK YOU. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A BOLD MOVE.
>> DO THAT ONE FOR COASTAL PARKS, I WOULD LOVE THAT ONE.
>> MOTION TO APPROVE. >> SECOND.
>> MOTION AND SECOND. >> LET ME BACK UP ON THAT.
MY SECOND STANDS. WHEN WE SOLD THE PROPERTY THAT THE MALL WAS BUILT ON, WE SOLD THAT FOR $3.2 MILLION.
THAT MONEY WENT INTO AN ACCOUNT. WE USED A MILLION DOLLARS OF IT TO AIRCONDITION THAT ONE AND THE OTHER $2 MILLION AFTER I LEFT HERE ON I GUESS GENERAL MAINTENANCE STUFF OUT THERE.
SO WE DID HAVE ONE INSTANCE OF MAKING MONEY.
>> PERFECT. >> THAT'S WHEN WE SOLD PROPERTY.
>> GOOD TO HEAR. THERE COULD BE ANOTHER ONE.
>> THERE COULD BE. NEVER SAY NEVER.
>> (INAUDIBLE). >> SO VERY A MOTION AND A SECOND ON THE FAIRGROUNDS RESOLUTION. ALL THOSE IN FAVOUR SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED? THE MOTION PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.
AND THEN OUR LAST ONE I BELIEVE IS THE COMMISSIONERS COURT RESOLUTION AND ORDER ESTABLISHING A SPECIAL REVENUE ACCOUNT FOR DEPOSIT -- IS THERE TWO MORE OR ONE MORE -- FOR DEPOSIT OF COUNTY FUNDS RECEIVED FROM THE SALE OF FIXED ASSETS.
WHEREAS SOUND FISCAL POLICIES ARE CRUCIAL TO ENABLING COUNTY TO MAINTAIN ITS LONG-TERM FINANCIAL STABILITY AND EXCELLENT BOND RATING AND WHEREAS THERE IS A NEED TO PRUDENTLY MANAGE COUNTY RESOURCES IN ORDER TO PROVIDE THE BEST PUBLIC SERVICE WITH LIMITED RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THE COUNTY. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED AND ORDERED BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OF NUECES COUNTY THAT FOR BUDGET YEAR 2026-2027 COUNTY WILL CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN A SPECIAL REVENUE ACCOUNT FOR THE DEPOSIT OF COUNTY FUNDS RECEIVED FROM THE SALE OF FIXED ASSETS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED WITH GENERAL FUND MONIES. DULY ADOPTED BY VOTE OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OF NUECES COUNTY ON THIS 9TH DAY OF
SEPTEMBER, 2026. >> I HAVE A QUESTION ON THIS
>> IS THIS PRACTICALLY WHAT WE ARE REALLY DOING SINCE WE JUST SOLD THAT BIG LAND OR JUST GOING TO THE GENERAL RESERVES WHAT IT HAS BEEN DOING. SO I DON'T KNOW -- I THINK WE ALL PASSED THIS IN THE PAST BECAUSE WE DIDN'T SELL ANY FIXED ASSETS AND JUDGE SCOTT CAME IN AND STARTED HER GREAT -- SERIOUSLY, SHE CHANGED THE WAY WE DO BUSINESS.
STARTED SELLING FIXED ASSETS THAT HAVE SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNTS.
SO I THINK THIS ONE HAS TO BE A LITTLE ALTERED BECAUSE THAT'S NOT WHAT WE ARE DOING. WE ARE PUTTING IN --
>> WHEN WE VOTED TO SELL THE PROPERTY WE VOTED TO PUT IT INTO
RESERVES. >> VIOLATION TECHNICALLY OF THIS
POLICY. >> I THOUGHT THIS IS WHAT LINE
[03:05:01]
BARRINGER SOLD, I THOUGHT THE ASSETS THAT THEY GET AND SALESTHAT THEY DO. >> I'M NOT SURE.
IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN, JUDGE. BUT WE ARE ALSO SELLING FIXED ASSETS NOW. PROBABLY GOT A COUPLE MORE.
>> COUPLE MORE THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT, YOU ARE RIGHT.
>> TECHNICALLY SHOULD HAVE PUT THAT IN SPECIAL FUND ALSO.
I THINK WE NEED TO TWEAK THIS ONE.
>> QUICKLY WANT TO DO THE WORDING TO TWEAK IT.
>> WHAT ARE WE DOING NOW. JUST GOING IN GENERAL FUND.
>> THAT WAS THE INTENTION ON THAT ONE.
WHAT I WOULD RECOMMEND ON A CASE BY CASE.
>> ARE THOSE INTEREST BEARING ACCOUNTS.
>> CAN WE ADD LANGUAGE -- >> IF YOU SAY -- ADDED SALE OF PROPERTY AS A SPECIAL CAVEAT. FIXED ASSETS NEED TO BE THERE.
I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PURPOSE IF YOU ARE SAYING LINE
BARRINGER HAS A REASON. >> SALE OF PROPERTY ON A
CASE-BY-CASE BASIS. >> AS DETERMINED BY COMMISSIONERS COURT ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS.
MAKE THAT MORE FLEXIBLE. >> WHAT ARE WE CHANGING HERE.
I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU MEAN.
WE ARE SAYING HERE THAT WE ARE GOING TO MAINTAIN A SPECIAL REVENUE ACCOUNT. IS THAT FOR ALL FIXED ASSET SALES. OR DO WE CREATE A REVENUE
ACCOUNT FOR EVERY ASSET WE SELL? >> THIS LAST TIME IT WENT TO THE
GENERAL FUND. >> ALL GO INSIDE GENERAL FUND.
>> DIDN'T GO IN SPECIAL REVENUE. >> DIDN'T CREATE A SPECIAL
REVENUE ACCOUNT. >> WENT TO GENERAL FUND.
>> DO WE NEED THIS POLICY, DO YOU THINK, JUDGE?
>> THAT'S A GOOD QUESTION. I WAS PONDERING MYSELF.
I DON'T KNOW IF WE EVEN NEED THIS.
>> WON'T VOTE ON THIS ONE. >> GO TO GENERAL ACCOUNT.
>> WOULD NOT HURT AND FIND OUT IF THERE IS A REASON BEHIND IT.
>> OR TWEAK THE LANGUAGE. OTHERWISE LEAVE IT OFF IF WE
NEED TO BRING IT BACK. >> THAT'S FINE.
>> I DON'T KNOW THAT WE NEED IT EITHER.
>> DO WE NEED TO TABLE A RESOLUTION.
>> ALREADY RESCINDED THE ORDER FROM LAST YEAR SO WE DON'T HAVE AN ORDER UNLESS WE BRING IT BACK SO WE ARE FINE.
>> JUST MAKE A MOTION TO TABLE INDEFINITELY UNLESS BUDGET OFFICE DECIDES WE NEED TO BRING THIS BACK.
>> WE IS A MOTION AND A SECOND ON THAT TO TABLE THIS UNLESS THE BUDGET OFFICE DECIDES WE NEED TO BRING IT BACK.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOUR SAY AYE. >> JUST TO TABLE IT.
IF YOU TABLE INDEFINITELY MEANS IT CAN NEVER COME BACK.
>> I SAID UNLESS THE BUDGET OFFICE BRINGS IT BACK.
>> MOTION BY CHESNEY, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ, YES.
IS THAT ALL OF THOSE? CAN WE MOVE ON TO ITEM D.
SOMEBODY CORRECT ME BEFORE I GO FURTHER.
WE'LL BE BACKING UP AGAIN. OKAY.
DISCUSS AND CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE PROPOSED 2026-2027 NUECES COUNTY BUDGET AS PRESENTED BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT BUDGET OFFICER FOR NUECES COUNTY INCLUDING DECISIONS REGARDING WHETHER TO CONTINUOUS AGENCY CONTRACTS, COUNTY PROGRAMS, PERSONNEL CHANGES, WE HAVE GOT ALL OF THOSE IN, PAY STEPS, FREEZING, REDUCTION IN FORCE, CONSOLIDATION, ELIMINATION OF CERTAIN NUECES COUNTY DEPARTMENTS, I DON'T THINK WE HAD ANY OF THAT, FISCAL YEAR AND RELATED MATTERS PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE 551.043, THE TAXPAYER IMPACT STATEMENT AND THE DRAFT BUDGET ARE ATTACHED TO THIS MEETING NOTICE.
MOTION FIRST TO INCLUDE COUNTY JUDGE ADDITIONS TO THE BUDGET IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF 2,665,751.40.
>> WOULDN'T WE DO THAT UNDER ITEM E?
>> THIS IS THE PROPOSED BUDGET THAT I DID FIRST.
ITEM E WILL BE THE OTHER INCLUSIONS.
THIS IS THE WAY THE BUDGET OFFICE WE PRESENTED MINE.
>> VOTE ON WHAT'S PRESENTD AND DO WHATEVER AMENDMENTS YOU WANT
>> THIS WAS THE FIRST PART, YES. >> I'M FINE WITH HOWEVER YOU WANT TO DO IT. I THOUGHT SINCE YOURS WAS REALLY
KIND OF AN AMEND >> ACTUALLY MINE IS ALREADY IN THE BUDGET BOOKS WHY WE VOTE ON MINE FIRST.
SO I'M MAKING THE MOTION TO APPROVE?
>> MOVED. >> MOTION AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PUSLEY. WE DON'T DO THIS ONE ALL IN LINE. ALL IN FAVOUR SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED MOTION PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.
[E. Discuss and consider adoption of "Amendments" for Inclusion in the Proposed 2026-2027 Nueces County Budget as presented by the County Judge and the Commissioners Court.]
SO THEN WE CAN GO TO ITEM E, AND THAT'S WHERE WE DISCUSS OTHER THINGS TO BE INCLUDED AND ONE THING THAT I FORGOT IN HERE IN MY BUDGET THAT I WOULD LIKE TO BRING UP IS THE COURT OF APPEALS TRAVEL, IF WE WANTED TO DO THAT. I'M NOT SURE IF ANYONE -- HOW YOU FEEL -- BUT THEY DID PUT IN A REQUEST AND DIDN'T DO ANYTHING[03:10:01]
>> NO, IT'S ADDED TO THE BACK BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T INCLUDE IT IN MY BUDGET. I PUT THESE NOTES DOWN FOR WHAT
WE DIDN'T DO. >> I THOUGHT IT WAS IN YOUR
DEAL. >> SO THAT'S IN THE ESPECIALLY -- IN A SPECIAL REVENUE FUND.
>> SO IT DOESN'T HAVE TO -- >> CORRECT.
YOU GOT THAT. >> I WAS LIKE SOME REASON IT IS
NOT IN MY BUDGET. >> AS PEOPLE MAKE AMENDMENTS BECAUSE WHO IS GOING TO KEEP THE LIVE TIME AMOUNTS.
WE JUST PASSED A BUDGETS. TAX RATE THAT PASSED THAT INCREASED THE AMOUNT. HOW MUCH EXTRA IS NOW GOING TO BE AS EVERYBODY STARTS TO DO THEIR MINIMUMS.
>> DON'T HAVE MUCH. >> I KNOW.
>> SO WITH COLLECTION RATE WE DID 97%.
IT'S 7,952,419. SUBTRACT OUT JUDGE'S
>> THAT'S THE AMOUNT. >> THAT'S THE AMOUNT TAKING OUT
THE JUDGE'S TOTAL. >> SO IT'S 5.2 MILLION.
>> THEN THERE WAS -- >> RAISE THE BUDGET BY 7 MILLION, ALMOST 8 MILLION. 2.6 WAS COVERED.
AND NOW THE AMENDMENTS WILL COME IN HOWEVER THOSE GET.
>> I THINK COMING FIRST LET'S DO THAT ONE FIRST.
I DIDN'T REALIZE SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS.
>> DID WE PASS D ALREADY? DID WE VOTE ON D?
>> YES, SIR. >> NOW IT'S COMMISSIONER PUSLEY YOU HAVE AN AMENDMENT ON ACOLA. JIBING TO MAKE A MOTION INCLUDE ACOLA PAY RAISE FOR ALL COUNTY EMPLOYEES INCLUDING ELECTED
>> TOTAL IS 3,332,807.91. IS THAT RIGHT, CONSTANCE?
>> YES, SIR, CORRECT. >> SECOND.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND FOR 4% COUNTY-WIDE ALL EMPLOYEES ACOLA ANY OTHER DISCUSSION. THOSE IN FAVOUR SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED -- >> LIKE TO MAKE THAT 8%.
LIKE TO HAVE 8% BUT... (INAUDIBLE) I HAVE A COUPLE
MORE RECOMMENDATIONS TO MAKE. >> WE ARE GOING TO DEDUCT THIS AND SEE WHERE WE ARE, AND THEN ANY OTHER ADDITIONS WE'LL VOTE
ON ONE BY ONE, YES. >> COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ, JUST AS KIND OF AN EXPLANATION, THE 4% GIVES US A LITTLE BUFFER ABOVE THAT WE CAN DO OTHER THINGS.
AND WE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE MORE OBVIOUSLY.
BUT 4% I THINK INCLUDING THE 10% WE GAVE LAST YEAR IS A PRETTY GOOD BUMP FOR EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS.
AND THEN EACH COMMISSIONER CAN DECIDE ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS WHETHER THEY WANT TO TAKE THEIR 4% OR NOT.
>> SINCE YOU SAID THAT I FORGOT I'M GOING TO ABSTAIN ON THAT ONE BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO VOTE ON A RAISE THAT GIVES THE COMMISSIONERS COURT A RAISE. I WILL ABSTAIN FOR THAT REASON.
>> I CAN CERTAINLY EXCLUDE THE --
>> I DON'T WANT TO DO THAT TO EVERYBODY.
THAT'S UP TO YOU. YOU MADE A MOTION IT PASSED.
I WILL DO IT BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO VOTE ON A RAISE FOR MYSELF. THAT'S ALL I'M SAYING.
I WILL LEAVE IT AT THAT. >> I'M GOING TO MODIFY MY MOTION. 4% PAY RAISE INCLUDE ALL ELECTED OFFICIALS EXCEPT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
>> WE HAVE TO WAIT BECAUSE COMMISSIONER MAREZ SECONDED YOUR MOTION. WE'LL HAVE TO WAIT.
>> HE MAY NOT KNOW WE ARE WAITING ON HIM.
>> OR I CAN JUST -- YOU WANT TO WITHDRAW.
>> I WILL SECOND THAT. >> HE HAS TO WITHDRAW FIRST.
>> HE ALREADY DID. YOU WANT TO WITHDRAW THE FIRST
>> I WITHDRAW THE FIRST MOTION, AND I WILL CHANGE THAT TO 4% PAY INCREASE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES OF NUECES COUNTY INCLUDING ELECTED
[03:15:01]
OFFICIALS BUT EXCLUDING COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND THE COUNTY>> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
ANY OTHER DISCUSSION. SHOULD WE WAIT ON COMMISSIONER MAREZ TO COME BACK SINCE IT IMPACTS HIM TOO.
>> IF WE ARE DOING THAT, I DON'T CARE EITHER WAY, BUT MAYBE OUGHT TO GO 5%. WOULD THAT STILL BE WITHIN.
>> MOTION AND SECOND. IT'S ON THE FLOOR.
>> THERE IS A MOTION AND SECOND, YES.
>> I'M DISCUSSING, OKAY. ANYBODY WANTS TO TALK.
LET SOMEBODY TALK. WHAT WOULD BE?
>> 5% 4,166,009. >> HE WANTS TO KNOW WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE ON THE FACT THAT WE ARE TAKING OUT THE COMMISSIONERS
COURT. >> WE ARE TRYING TO GET THAT
NUMBER. >> DIFFERENTIAL IS ALMOST A MILLION DOLLARS. WHAT COUNTY JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS MAKE WOULD NOT ABMILLION DOLLARS.
>> SHE DIDN'T UNDERSTAND THE QUESTION.
>> OURS IS TRIVIAL -- SHE THOUGHT HE WAS ASKING --
ANYWAY. >> ONLY TAKING OUT THE FIVE OF
OFFICIALS ARE -- >> MINIMUM AMOUNT.
>> ARE WE WAITING FOR THAT NUMBER OR GOING ON?
>> I'M READY. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND THEN. ALL THOSE IN FAVOUR SAY AYE.
WE CHANGED. >> I CHANGED MY MOTION COMMISSIONER MAREZ TO SAY THAT THE PAY RAISE WOULD BE 4% ACROSS THE BOARD EXCLUDING COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND THE COUNTY JUDGE, AND COMMISSIONER CHESNEY SECONDED THAT.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND TO EXCLUDE JUST THE COMMISSIONERS COURT BUT EVERYONE ELSE ACROSS THE BOARD.
>> SO IT WOULD NOT BE THE 3.3 MILLION.
IT WOULD BE SOMETHING A LITTLE LESS THAN THAT.
>> HR IS GETTING THE DEDUCTION FOR THE COURT MEMBERS.
>> YEAH. IT'S NOT A VERY BIG AMOUNT WITH FIVE OF US BEING EXCLUDED. ALL THOSE IN FAVOUR SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED? THE MOTION PASSES UNANIMOUSLY I ASSUME. COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ YOU WERE
>> OKAY. THEN IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT
WISHES TO BE BROUGHT UP. >> LIKE TO BRING BACK UP AGAIN WHATEVER SUBMITTED DON'T AGREE WITH SOME OF THEM.
WENT ALONG WITH IT. >> I APPRECIATE THAT.
>> I THINK THAT LIKE TO RECOMMEND FOR THE JOB THAT HE DOES WITH ALL THE COMMISSIONERS AND THE JUDGE, 30,000 TO BE ADDED. AND ALSO GOING BACK TO THE
CONSTABLE -- >> I THINK VERY TO DO ONE AT A TIME. ONE THING AT A TIME.
>> I'M SORRY. >> I KNOW YOU ARE RECOMMENDING FOR EDWARD. THAT'S ONE WE ALL DO APPRECIATE IT AND WE KNOW WHAT EDWARD DOES FOR ALL OF US AND WHAT HE DOES FOR Y'ALL. WHY WE TOOK THE BUILDINGS AND MADE THE BUILDINGS GO UNDER ONE DEPARTMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS WHICH BEING MINDFUL OF THOSE MAINTENANCE WORKERS AT THOSE BUILDINGS WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS TOO TO TAKE CARE OF THE BUILDINGS. WE WERE TRYING TO LIGHTEN HIS LOAD UP SOME BECAUSE WE REALIZE WE ALL VERY MUCH OVERUTILIZE HIM AS WELL. AND THEN --
>> WHAT WAS THE AMOUNT. >> 30,000.
>> I THINK BIGGEST INCREASE WE ASK OF ANY OFFICIAL IN NUECES COUNTY. IS THAT THE LARGEST INCREASE WE WOULD ASK FOR ANY OFFICIAL ELECTED OR APPOINTED?
DOES ANYONE KNOW. >> SORRY WHAT.
>> I'M ASKING. CAN SOMEONE ANSWER THAT FOR ME.
IS THAT THE LARGEST AMOUNT THAT WE ARE ASKING TO RAISE FOR ANY
OFFICIAL IN NUECES COUNTY? >> YES.
>> ABSOLUTELY, YES. >> DID WE HAVE A SECOND ON THAT?
>> WANT TO MOVE ON TO NEXT ITEM. >> NEXT ONE WILL BE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER TRANSFER OVER TO THE CONSTABLE'S OFFICE --
[03:20:04]
CONSTABLES MORE THAN ONE OFFICE SO THAT THEY CAN GET THEIR BENEFITS. THIS IS CUTTING SOME WORK UNDER ONE AND GIVE THE BUILDING AND EVERYTHING ELSE.I DON'T SEE WHY WE HAVEN'T DONE THIS YET.
BUT LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND PEACE OFFICERS, CAN BE A LOT OF HELP OUT THERE ON THE ROADS AND RIGHT NOW DON'T HAVE THE POWER.
SO THAT'S TRANSFER THE OFFICERS BACK COST OF 34259.23 TO CONSTABLE ONE AND CONSTABLE FIVE.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION. DO VERY A SECOND?
>> I WILL SECOND JUST FOR CLARIFICATION, SO DID WE ALREADY MAKE ANY CHANGES IN REFERENCE TO CODE ENFORCEMENT OR JUST LEAVE
AS IS? >> IT WAS LEAVE AS IS AND I THINK IT HAS COME UP ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, AND THERE HAS BEEN DISCUSSION ON WHERE THEY WOULD GO, AND THEN WE HAVE HAD ALSO PHONE CALLS FROM THE OTHER OFFICES SAYING IF THEY GET ONE THEN I WANT ONE. AND SO IT WAS AFTER MULTIPLE TIMES THIS HAS COME TO COURT FOR A VOTE, WE DECIDED WE WERE BETTER OFF TO LEAVE THEM WHERE THEY ARE THAN TO CREATE A LOT OF DISSENSION WITHIN THE COUNTY AND OTHER OFFICIALS.
>> I WOULD SUPPORT MOVING THEM UNDER THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT IF WE DO ANYTHING. I THINK THAT'S THE MORE APPROPRIATE PLACE. BECAUSE WE -- YOU ARE RIGHT, JUDGE WE GET INTO THIS COMPETITION ABOUT WHO GETS THE CODE ENFORCEMENT AND IF WE PUT THEM UNDER THE SHERIFF AND HE HAS MADE ASSURANCES TO ME PERSONALLY AND TO OTHER COMMISSIONERS HERE THAT HE WILL RESPECT WHAT THEIR ROLE IS, AND MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE AVAILABLE TO US AS THEY ARE
NEEDED. >> THE MOTION RIGHT NOW IS TO
MOVE THEM TO THE OTHER -- >> -- AMEND MY MOTION, DISCUSS WHEN YOU SAY GIVE ONE TO EVERYBODY, DIDN'T DO THAT WITH THE JPS, GAVE CERTAIN NOT ALL OF THEM.
THAT'S NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN GIVE EVERYBODY.
SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO MAKE UP YOUR MIND WHOEVER IS DOING THE JOB, WHOEVER IS DOING BETTER NEEDS ANOTHER STAFF PERSON OR NOT. SO I MEAN, HERE WE GAVE THREE JPS AND DIDN'T GIVE THE OTHER TWO OR THREE JPS.
>> BUT I ALSO THINK LIKE COMMISSIONER PUSLEY JUST SAID ONLY PERSON THAT HAS TOTAL JURISDICTION OVER THE COUNTY AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS GO THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY WOULD BE UNDER THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE. LEAVE THEM ALONE OR MOVE THEM
UNDER THE SHERIFF IS MY OPINION. >> BUT THE CONSTABLES, STILL HAVE THE AUTHORITY. IF YOU READ MY ONE ABOUT TWO IF YOU WANT TO ADD ANOTHER ONE THERE.
THEY HAVE ALL THE COUNTY. THEY ARE NOT RESTRICTED TO A
PRECINCT. >> THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE.
>> NOT THE CODE ENFORCEMENT. COUNTY WIDE.
ENFORCEMENT IS COUNTY WIDE. >> IF YOU PUT UNDER A CONSTABLE THE CONSTABLE IS RESTRICTED TO AN AREA.
>> NOT NECESSARILY, JUDGE. CAN SAY THEY CAN BE COUNTY WIDE.
TWO WANTS ONE. HOW MUCH GOING TO COST THEM, RIGHT. GOING TO DO THAT TOO IF YOU WANT TO DO THAT. GO THROUGH THIS EVERY TIME.
SOMEBODY WANTS ONE EVERYBODY WANTS ONE.
NOBODY COME UP AND ASK FOR ONE. >> THEY DO.
I WOULD SUPPORT WHAT COMMISSIONER PUSLEY INDICATED IF WE MAKE A CHANGE I THINK COUNTY WIDE CODE ENFORCEMENT, I THINK THAT'S A GREAT IDEA BECAUSE IT GETS THEM INTO --
>> WITHDRAW MY SECOND. >> GETS THEM INTO.
>> DON'T HAVE A SECOND ANYMORE. >> I WILL MAKE A MOTION TO PUT UNDER THE SHERIFF JUST TO HAVE DISCUSSION.
I LET EVERYBODY ELSE TALK. I DON'T WHY I GOT CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF MY CONVERSATION I GOT CUT OFF.
I WILL MAKE A MOTION TO DO WHAT COMMISSIONER PUSLEY SAID AND PUT
UNDER THE SHERIFF. >> LAW ENFORCEMENT, CODE LAW
ENHE FORCEMENT. >> THEY GET BENEFITS THEN.
I WANT THEM TO BE IN COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.
I WILL MAKE A MOTION TO PUT UNDER THE SHERIFF.
>> SECOND. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ANY OTHER DISCUSSION?
>> LIKE TO HEAR WHAT'S CHANGED SINCE THE MOTION WAS WITHDRAWN?
>> ANOTHER MOTION. >> THIS IS WHAT I ALWAYS SUPPORTED. ADVOCATED THAT IT GOES TO THE SHERIFF BECAUSE I WANT HIM TO GO INTO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO INTO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND
TREATED AS LAW ENFORCEMENT. >> ALWAYS SAID ONE OF THE BIGGEST PROBLEMS THE WAY THE SETUP HAS BEEN SINCE I GOT HERE.
WHAT DOES COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ THINK SWITCHING OVER THE
I THINK HE SECONDED IT. HE THINKS GET THE INCREASE AND
[03:25:02]
HE WAS FINE WITH THAT. >> ALSO DOES SOMETHING ELSE TOO.
WE ARE NOW GOING TO PUT MORE RESPONSIBILITY ON LAW FOR OTHER THINGS AND RELIEVES HIM OF THIS RESPONSIBILITY.
>> RIGHT. >> AS LONG AS -- AS LONG AS WE ALL AGREE AND IT'S COUNTY WIDE AND THE SHERIFF HAS MADE IT CLEAR AND MAKE SURE IF THE SHERIFF IS PAYING ATTENTION --
>> SHERIFFS UPDATED THAT PUBLICLY.
>> YES, HE HAS. STATED IT HERE PUBLICLY AND LAST
TIME WE VOTED ON IT. >> WAS THAT LAST WEEK.
>> NO, IT WAS MONTHS AGO. >> HAVE A PUBLIC ASSURANCE THAT'S NOT GOING TO CHANGE. I REMEMBER SPECIFICALLY STATED THAT WHEN WE WERE GOING THROUGH COVID THAT EVERY OFFICER WAS JAILER FIRST AND FOREMOST. THAT WAS HIS STATEMENT AND I HAVE A CONCERN WITH THAT. BECAUSE I THINK WE COULD HAVE GOOD PEOPLE APPLY FOR THIS POSITION.
BUT IF THEY ARE GOING TO BE PIGEON HOLED INTO HAVING TO OPERATE THAT, I KNOW THAT'S FIRST AND FOREMOST A PRIORITY, BUT I DON'T THINK THAT THAT'S WHAT PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR WHEN THEY ARE APPLYING FOR THAT POSITION, ESPECIALLY THAT'S GOING TO BE NEEDED WHETHER WE GET INTO ANY KIND OF PANDEMIC OR ANY OTHER CHALLENGES. I'M JUST CONCERNED WITH THAT.
>> I THINK -- >> IF ON RECORD ON IT I'M GOOD
WITH IT. >> HE IS ON THE RECORD.
I WILL VOUCH HE IS ON THE RECORD ABOUT THAT.
>> GOOD WITH THAT THEN. >> VERY A MOTION AND A SECOND TO MOVE THE CODE TO CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS FROM PUBLIC WORKS TO UNDER THE SHERIFF TO WORK EXCLUSIVELY FOR CODE
ENFORCEMENT NOT JAILERS. >> THAT'S A GOOD POINT.
>> GREAT. >> ALL THOSE IN FAVOUR SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED. THE MOTION PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.
AND ARE THERE ANY OTHER THINGS HERE OTHERWISE WE CAN MOVE ON TO ITEM F. THE OTHER THINGS THAT NEED TO BE
VOTED ON, COMMISSIONER? >> NO.
[F. Discuss and consider Adoption of the 2026-2027 Nueces County Budget, including Amendments as submitted by the Commissioners Court Budget Officer for Nueces County and authorized by the Commissioners Court (Pursuant to Tex. Gov't Code § 551.043 (c), the Taxpayer Impact Statement and the draft budget are attached to this meeting notice.) ]
OKAY. ALL RIGHT.>> DISCUSS AND CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE 2026-2027 NUECES COUNTY BUDGET, INCLUDING AMENDMENTS AS SUBMITTED BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT BUDGET OFFICER AND AUTHORIZED BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT PURSUANT TO TAXPAYER IMPACT STATEMENT AND DRAFT BUDGET ATTACHED TO THIS MEETING. AND WE HAVE VOTED ON ALL THE AMENDMENTS. THE INCLUSIONS FOR THIS.
SO IS THERE A VOTE NECESSARY FOR THIS ITEM?
>> HAVE TO READ THE SPECIAL WORDS.
>> I HAVE ANOTHER SPECIAL WORD THING.
NEED COMMISSIONER PUSLEY BACK FOR A RECORD VOTE.
>> THIS IS A RECORD VOTE. >> TWO MOTIONS ARE NEEDED.
MOTION TO ADOPT THE FISCAL YEAR. I FOUND IT.
SORRY. DO WE NEED TO ASK PUSLEY TO COME BACK REAL QUICK FIRST. WANT TO POP IN THE HALLWAY.
SHOULD I GO AHEAD. DO I HAVE THE RIGHT ONE? I HAD THE WRONG ONE ANYWAY. THANK YOU FOR STOPPING ME.
>> OKAY, WHAT ARE WE DOING? >> HAVE TO VOTE AS AMENDED EVERYTHING, THIS ONE HERE, SORRY.
HAVE WAY TOO MANY COPIES. I MAKE A MOTION TO ADOPT THE FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 NUECES COUNTY BUDGET PURSUANT TO TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551.043.
THIS BUDGET WILL RAISE MORE PROPERTY TAXES THAN LAST YEAR'S BUDGET BY 5,505,369 WHICH IS 4.48% INCREASE FROM LAST YEAR'S BUDGET. THE PROPERTY TAX REVENUE TO BE RAISED FROM THIS NEW PROPERTY TAX ADDED TO THE TAX ROW IS 2,250,815 -- I THOUGHT WE ALREADY DID THESE.
>> THIS IS THE OVERALL BUDGET ONCE AMENDED.
>> SECOND. WE HAVE TO VOTE I GUESS INDIVIDUALLY. COMMISSIONER PUSLEY.
>> WANT TO MAKE ONE COMMENT. BEING THAT WE ARE DOING IT THIS WAY, I THINK IT NEGATES THE NECESSITY OF HAVING TO PULL
60,000 OUT OF THE FUND BALANCE. >> ABSOLUTELY, YES.
>> CAN PAY FOR IT WITHOUT DOING THAT.
>> THANK YOU. THE 60,000 I WAS SHORT ON MY BUDGET REQUEST WILL COVER THAT. WE WON'T NEED TO CUT INTO THAT.
YOU ARE AN AYE I ASSUME. >> AYE.
[03:30:01]
>> COMMISSIONER MAREZ. >> AYE.
>> COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ. >> AYE.
>> COMMISSIONER CHESNEY. >> AYE FOR MYSELF, TWO ANYWAYS.
MOTION PASSES. MOTION TO RATIFY THE PROPERTY TAX INCREASE REFLECTED IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2026, 2027 NUECES COUNTY BUDGET THAT WILL REQUIRE RAISING MORE REVENUE FROM PROPERTY TAXES THAN IN THE PRIOR YEAR BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT $5,505,369. I HAVE A MOTION.
>> SECOND. >> THAT'S JUST THE AMOUNT.
I MEAN WE JUST HAVE TO SAY IT. SO WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND.
COMMISSIONER PUSLEY YOUR VOTE. >> AYE.
>> MYSELF AYE. >> COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ.
>> (INAUDIBLE). >> MINISTER CHESNEY.
THE MOTION PASSES. I THINK WE ARE DONE.
>> THE BUDGET WE VOTED ON INCLUDES MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS FOR ALL THE FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE
>> OKAY. >> AND THE MAINTENANCE WHATEVER ARE WORKING AT THOSE SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDINGS, IF THEY ARE MAINTENANCE OPERATORS SPECIFICALLY FOR THAT BUILDING WILL BE MOVED TO THE BUILDINGS AND MAINTENANCE BUDGET.
WE JUST DIDN'T HAVE EDWARD AND JUAN IN THE SAME ROOM TO SIT DOWN AND SPECIFY. WHEN YOU PULL UP THOSE THINGS, THEY DON'T SAY THAT. THEY ALL SAY DIFFERENT THINGS.
>> THEY WILL STAY WITHIN THEIR OWN DEPARTMENT BUT THE AUTHORITY WOULD BE UNDER THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR.
>> STILL STAY AT THAT BUILDING TO MAINTAIN THE BUILDING, BUT THE AUTHORITY WOULD BE PUBLIC WORKS.
>> OKAY. I WOULD LIKE TO OFFER ONE MORE AMENDMENT. CAN I?
>> TO THE BUDGET OR TO... >> YEAH.
>> WHAT ARE YOU ASKING. >> HAVE TO MAKE A MOTION TO
RECONSIDER THEN -- >> BECAUSE WE ALREADY VOTED ON
YEAH MAKE A MOTION TO RECONSIDER.
>> CAN YOU TELL US FOR WHAT? >> BASED ON WE ARE GOING TO DO THE IRT THING AGAIN THIS YEAR. I HAVE ALREADY BEEN VISITED WITH EDWARD ABOUT IT. HE SPENDS A GREAT DEAL OF HIS TIME ON THAT. AND I THINK A ONE-TIME 10,000 STIPEND, WE GAVE SCOTT A STIPEND FOR HELPING US ON THE GRANT
WE GAVE HIM A WHOLE DEPARTMENT. >> IT'S NOT A ONE-TIME EVENT.
>> THE DIFFERENCE IS, NEED TO KNOW WHAT EDWARD MAKES WHICH IS ONE OF THE HIGHEST -- ONE OF THE HIGHEST PAID DEPARTMENT HEADS IN THE COUNTY. JUST TOOK AWAY RESPONSIBILITY --
>> HAD TWO. HAD TWO PARK MANAGERS.
>> JUST TOOK AWAY A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF RESPONSIBILITY FROM HIM BY SHIFTING THINGS AWAY FROM HIM.
SO -- AND WE JUST GAVE EVERYBODY A 4% COLA, WE ARE TAKING AWAY RESPONSIBILITY FROM HIM AND YOU ARE WANTING TO GIVE -- THAT'S --
>> ALSO TO COMMENT NO REDUCTION IN SALARY WITH WHAT IS BEING
REMOVED FROM HIM. >> WE ARE KEEPING HIS SAME SALARY WITH REMOVING THOSE BUILDINGS.
SO HE WILL GET AN INCREASE, YES. THAT'S A GOOD POINT, YES.
WE DO APPRECIATE EVERYTHING HE DOES.
LIKE I SAID EVERYBODY UTILIZING DELETE SES HIM NOT TO MAKE LIGHT OF THAT IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM.
>> CLARIFICATION BEFORE WE ADJOURN.
CODE ENFORCEMENT BUDGETS MOVES EFFECTIVE 10/1 REPORTING AS IS THROUGH TO THE END OF THE MONTH. CODE ENFORCEMENT STILL REPORTING TO PUBLIC WORKS UNTIL 9/30. EFFECTIVE 10/1 THE TRANSFER TAKES OVER. ALSO, BECAUSE OF THIS CHANGE, ARE THEY NOW CONSIDERED LAW ENFORCEMENT, DOES THAT HAVE TO REOPEN COLLECTIVE BARGAINING OR AUTOMATICALLY INCLUDED.
>> IT'S AUTOMATICALLY INCLUDED ONCE THEY GO UNDER LAW
ENFORCEMENT. >> LIKE THEY GOT HIRED.
>> LIKE THEY GOT HIRED. >> YEAH.
>> YES. >> JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE GOT
COUNTY ATTORNEY. >> BECOME MEMBERS OF
>> GO AHEAD. >> CLARIFICATION OF THE BUDGET.
SO APPROVED BUDGET WHAT WAS FILED IN MY OFFICE, Y'ALL APPROVED THIS, YOUR AMENDMENTS WERE ALREADY INCLUDED.
>> SO THIS WAS APPROVED WITH THESE TWO AMENDMENTS.
>> YES. >> THEM TOGETHER AND THAT'S IT.
>> SHOULD BE. >> GOING TO GO BACK AND CHECK AND MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS COVERED AND ENTERED CORRECTLY, YES THAT IS THE WAY IT IS. I WOULD KEEP THAT SECOND LIST
BUT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THERE. >> YOUR LIST.
BUT TWO AMENDMENTS MADE. >> ACOLA --
[03:35:04]
>> FOR THE ADOPTED BUDGET, YAM. PRODUCE ANOTHER BOOK ADOPTED AND
PRESENT THAT TO YOU AS WELL. >> THE BUILDINGS PEOPLE WILL BE
BUILDINGS. >> SAID IT WAS IN THE BOOK.
SHE JUST BROUGHT US THE EXTRA AMENDMENTS TO SHOW US WHAT
>> THIS IS ALREADY YOUR BUDGET. >> THAT WAS THE PROPOSED BUDGET.
I DIDN'T WANT TO HAVE TO OPEN EVERY PAGE.
GAVE THEM THE PAGE NUMBER AND IF THEY WANT TO LOOK AT IT.
>> OTHER THAN THE AMENDMENTS, CORRECT.
>> SO I THINK THAT WE ARE DONE. DO WE HAVE ANY ADJOURNMENTS IN MEMORY OR ANYTHING? ANYBODY TODAY? NO. THEN I'M AFRAID TO SAY IT IS 1:59. ARE WE ADJOURNED THEN?
>> OUR BUDGET'S DONE. >> MOTION TO ADJOURN AT 1:59.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.