Proposed 2019 Brazos County Budget Is Released

Next year’s proposed Brazos County budget calls for no increase in the property tax rate.

An increase of more than $4 million dollars in general fund spending and more than $3.5 million to pay for employee health insurance is more than offset by a drop of almost $6 million in making bond payments and spending $5.5 half million less in capital projects.

County judge Duane Peters proposes a net increase 17 new employees. As many as three may be added to handle a new state requirement that allows some jail inmates to go free without bond while awaiting trial.

Proposed county staff additions also includes a new assistant human resources director and H-R assistant, the sheriff’s office getting another patrol sergeant, process server, detention officer, and medical professional for the jail, and two more people at the tax office.

Brazos County employees would receive a three percent pay raise and be in line for an additional one percent increase. And those on county health insurance would not pay more for their share of the premium as long as employees get their physical.

Out of $44 million planned for capital projects, almost $19 million is going towards the expansion of the juvenile detention center that began this summer.

Almost $9 million is going towards roads. While half the money is directed to roads damaged by oilfield traffic, the judge declined to give specific locations because priorities could change.

Other capital expenses includes $3.5 million for computer software for the county’s finances and more than $2.5 million to replace voting machines.

Click HERE to read and download the proposed 2019 Brazos County budget.

Click below for some of the comments from Duane Peters during his budget presentation.

 

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