Commissioners discuss priorities for FY 2026-27 budget
With May coming to a close, Caldwell County commissioners and county departments are beginning to look at FY 2026-2027 needs and priorities en route to approving a new operating budget to take effect on Oct 1.
Commissioners approved the budget calendar at their May 14 meeting and held their first public workshop on Thursday where they discussed what issues they were hoping to tackle in the coming year.
Caldwell County Judge Hoppy Haden said beefing up security at county facilities was on his priority list, noting that only the Caldwell County Justice Center is outfitted with a metal detector operated by a bailiff.
Pursuing metal detectors for the Caldwell County Courthouse and potentially other facilities would help ensure the safety of both citizens and employees he said, as would hiring additional bailiffs.
“It’s important and it’s time we did this,” he said. “It’s a dangerous world right now and I feel personally responsible for people’s safety.”
The judge also said the county should pursue finding a strategic planner and wanted commissioners to continue hiring a county administrator who would operate in the county similar to how a city manager stabilizes government at the municipal level.
“They’re not affiliated with a party and ensure continuity and a consistent presence despite what happens in an election or if something happens to (the county judge),” Haden said.
Other priorities discussed include seeking out additional office space for county employees and continuing to pave county roads, which Unit Road Administrator Donald LeClerc said were just 18 miles away from being fully paved, although some will still require rehabilitation and leveling after that.
Commissioners will set the tax rate and post a preliminary budget later this summer before voting on both in September.
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- Voted to leave the burn ban off.
- Approved an order authorizing the sale of fireworks in unincorporated areas of the county for the Fourth of July holiday. The order disallows the sale of aerial fireworks with sticks or fins and expires after July 4.
- Approved a resolution authorizing the Caldwell County Pct. 2 to apply for the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority FY 2027 Task Force Grant. If the application is successful, it could provide funding for two additional deputy constables and five flexible solar-paneled license plate readers that can be moved around when necessary.
- Approved an agreement between the county and Quiddity Engineering for engineering services that include planning, implementation and grant-related support on the Texas Water Development Board Outdoor Water Siren Grant.
- Approved and adopted the Caldwell County Accounts Payable Policy.
- Approved an $8,000 donation for FY 2027 to the Combined Community Action for Meals on Wheels Program.
- Approved the Caldwell County Community and Evacuation Center license and use agreement and exhibits and authorized the events and facility manager to execute individual agreements.