by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian
County Auditor Alice Chapman presented the highlights of the proposed 2023-2024 Uvalde County budget this morning at the Uvalde County Commissioner’s Court meeting, Monday September 11th, 2023.
She stated that the Uvalde County Judge is required by law to meet with department heads and according to Chapman Judge Mitchell meets that requirement.
$46,431,242.05. is the total budget amount which was approved at this morning’s meeting.
3% COLA is included: Chapman stated that employees elected, appointed or hired, If you worked for 5 years, you are eligible for $16 longevity compensation which was passed 15 years ago as part of Texas Law.
Chapman also referred to the County’s incarceration inmate expenses. Paying for inmate Medical care is an unfunded mandate. Chapman recommended a $100,000 increase in that fund in the new budget.
Moving on to the County’s Nutrition Program, Chapman stated that it continues to be a difficult program to fund. According to Chapman costs are high, food costs are high and we continue to feed citizens who qualify age wise for this program. However the law does not require we ( the county ) feed those over 65.$15K was budgeted.
The Uvalde County Appraisal District or UCAD budget has gone up considerably and requires the county, city and schools to pay more to function.
Overtime was brought up.
Inmate food costs have increased. According to Chapman we use a vendor that meets the state’s requirements.
“Jailers, especially those working overnight, are hard to keep,” Chapman said .
Education and increase in certification of existing Law Enforcement officers referring to the certification fee the County covers.
“Another unfunded state mandate indigent defense is an unfunded mandate by the state,” said Chapman.
The movement of the Uvalde County Emergency Management Center or UCEMC moved from Airport Road to South Getty, Chapman said.
-795, 095 less money or 5.7% decrease from last year $200, 095 projected to be resided from new property.
Diana Olvedo-Karau addressed the court as part of citizen comments: “What items chosen fund and not to fund should be up for discussion. How you choose to spend the money it’s a matter of priorities. I implore you to table the budget.”
In the end, County Commissioners unanimously voted to approve the proposed tax rate for 2023- 2024 year.
.5872 proposed tax rate for 2023-2023 and proposed a public hearing in September.
County Commissioners vote to approve the proposed tax rate unanimously approved
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