County budget focuses on public safety, services

We're seeing signs that it's "Spooky Season," which right now could apply to Halloween or the upcoming election. While you may not see any signs or decorations in yards about the county budget, we have been hard at work preparing next year's budget. After public hearings and a unanimous vote of approval, the Victoria County Commissioners Court is pleased to have assembled a balanced budget that enhances funding for public safety and services, while staying well below the tax revenue caps set by the state.

The county budget is a product of diligence and careful planning by Commissioners Court, as we look at the present with an eye to the future. While Victoria County is growing, the modest additions we see in county revenues rarely make up for our increasing expenses, like providing quality health insurance for our hardworking employees. It's worth noting in these times of rapidly rising costs that we were able to keep our health insurance premiums flat with no increase to employees' monthly premiums.

Unlike in Washington where politicians talk about balancing the budget while printing their own money, Victoria County has a strong tradition of managing finances conservatively. The approved 2025 County Budget is no exception, with no increase in county property tax rates despite the financial pressures created by national issues like inflation. This budget addresses needs and enhances services while keeping our county property tax rates among the lowest in Texas.

I wear many different hats in a day like most Texas County Judges, from being the county's Chief Budget Officer to serving on our regional planning commission and the local economic development board. Creating an annual budget is a vital responsibility of Commissioners Court, and one of my duties as Chief Budget Officer is to guide our financial planning and decision-making.

Whatever frightful things certain political candidates may say, we know in Victoria County that when our people keep more of what they earn instead of paying more in taxes, our economy grows and we all prosper. Along with the political issues erupting prior to the election, there is also a philosophical side to all this. I believe in conservative principles, low taxes, and keeping government lean. County government should be focused on its constitutional duties, without the political drama and mudslinging we see at the capitol, and I aim to keep it that way.

In crafting the 2025 budget, we prioritized keeping the county financially strong, while being mindful of our future needs and opportunities. As new challenges arise in Victoria County, maintaining a healthy reserve fund ensures we are prepared to respond during emergencies while still moving forward on vital infrastructure projects. These fiscally conservative policies allow us to invest in needed improvements to public spaces and county facilities in the 2025 budget without eating into existing general fund reserves.

While the tales some candidates tell about defunding the police can be hair-raising as any ghost story, our commitment to public safety in Victoria County remains unwavering. In fact, the majority of our county budget goes toward public safety and public health, reflecting our commitment to protect the well-being of all county residents. We also recognize that Victoria County works through the dedicated efforts of county employees. So in this budget, we took steps to ease the impact of inflation while making sure they are properly compensated for all the good work they do.

As you can see, there's nothing frightful about county finances. We are doing our best to keep it local, keep it lean, and keep it working for you. We appreciate folks taking an interest in Victoria County government, and we welcome thoughts or questions about the 2025 budget. It's available in printed form at the courthouse or online at www.vctx.org.

Victoria County is a special place here in the Crossroads, and on behalf of Commissioners Court, it is a privilege to serve you as we work toward a bright future. Enjoy this weather as summer finally says farewell. Don't be too spooked by anything you see or hear around Halloween, and don't forget to vote!