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The Court raced through another meeting, disposing of 27 items at 82 seconds each.  Constitution week was declared and celebrated and a question from Harvey may lead to policy change related to vehicle purchasing.  To be fair, all budget matters have been discussed and approved previously and amicably, and there was nothing really left to discuss, but it was breath-taking the rate at which the Court dispatched 27 items in 37 minutes, including 8 budget items in 8 minutes increasing taxes 8%, and a 6 minute ceremony, with so little discussion.

Today’s budget meeting was like a 6-minute sprint with no comments or questions, with little discussion and without Commissioner Sternadel.  We dashed through a list of specific proposed budget amendments that had been previously discussed without objection and the budget is set for final approval Thursday.  The Joke of the Day goes to Andy Behlen when Commissioner McBroom asked, “Did you get all that written down Andy?”  He replied with a chuckle, “I think I got every single last word.”  Hear it all, in 6 minutes or less, right here...

There was a very small audience for today’s brief meeting, running 10 minutes total with merely 5 minutes on the budget.  The Court discussed model policies for the Sheriff’s Department and Constables related to various policies and procedures required by a new state law.  There were a couple minor corrections to the budget and a member of the public advocates for increased pay for election workers.  Hear it all right here...

Today in Commissioners Court, it was all about the battery storage facility.  The hearing lasted nearly an hour and there was much public discussion.  I don’t think the abatement ever stood a chance; it went down in flames.  In other news, September was declared “Childhood Cancer Awareness Month”.  The remainder of the meeting was pretty routine.  Hear all the public discussion right here...

The final budget meeting, at 18 minutes, was very routine.  Most of the decisions had already been made and there were only minor changes and additions.  The Court decided to increase the contingency fund rather than eliminate it, and they spent some time discussing body cams for Constables.  Where last year’s budget was contentious with 3/2 final vote, this year’s budget was approved unanimously with no controversy.  Meeting adjourned.

To the delight of the ±26 members of the public in attendance today, the Court unanimously approved a resolution opposing the Hwy 77 bypass.  It was a fantastic 48-minute dialogue between the Court and the public.  There were ±17 commenters, and all 5 members of the Court gave their opinions, along with City Councilman, Ken Taylor.  [The next stop on the bypass train is 8/26, the next City Council meeting. 😉]  It’s not over yet, the bypass is a long-term threat.  In other news, the budget seems settled with ±10 minutes of discussion during today’s workshop.  Be informed, listen to this important discussion and read the resolution here.

Today’s 73-minute budget workshop was the most detailed and informative budget discussion in the past 2 years.  I can’t summarize everything; this very consequential discussion is one you must listen to.  Learn about your county government and discover the fiscal policy of the members of the Court as they discuss the budget.  In other news, we had three more public comments opposing the bypass, Dr. Emily Smith is introduced as the new EMS Medical Director, our Historical Commission receives a distinguished service award and last but not least, the Court approved a resolution in opposition to the wind farm.  Hear it all in this detailed report with budget docs included...

The budget dominated the CC agenda today.  Property values didn’t rise so sharply so there is only about $650k in “new” revenue, and it’s already forcing budget cuts.  Every 1% in payroll increase is about $150k, so they won’t get the 5% they were hoping for.  They are still procrastinating most decisions, but Com Berckenhoff was absent, so perhaps it was better to wait.  In other news, we heard from three public commenters opposing the Hwy 71 bypass.  TxDot will be seeking City and County approval, so your input still matters.  We heard an informative presentation on restoring the courthouse windows and roof repairs ($$$).  Hear it all right here...

The Fayette County Republican Party held its organizational meeting this evening.  The purpose was to issue the oath of office to the county and precinct chairs and officers and adopt the amended bylaws.  We then proceeded to discuss plans for the future and other party matters.  It was a well-attended meeting.  Congratulations to the new executive committee and thanks for your service.  Hear it all here...

In this, the second major budget workshop of the year, the Court hears requests from county department heads for non-routine budget items.  The session lasted nearly an hour and a half with pretty good discussion (the quality of the discussions has improved this year).  However, the process is once again, moving very slowly, and they continue to procrastinate decisions as the 8/15 budget deadlines looms.