Judge: appraisal exemptions, tight revenues drove unusual budget choices this year

Guadalupe County’s budget officer outlined why the commissioners removed raises for elected officials from this year’s recommended budget while including a modest longevity base for employees. The judge said the county’s certified appraisals and an unexpected increase in exemptions meant the county “didn’t have a normal revenue year” and that he had recommended a budget without raises for elected officials because of constrained resources.

County officials discussed competing proposals during budget workshops, including proposals that would have increased the property tax rate more sharply to meet requests. Commissioner Steven Girmen said he voted to cap the proposed tax-rate increase at 5.65% to stabilize the county’s finances after the appraisal changes. Commissioner Jacqueline Ott told the committee she voted against adding money for the county clerk because similar temporary coverage by other officials historically received no extra pay and the county simply did not have the funds this year.

Committee members asked whether paying a COLA to some employees but excluding elected officials would create future compression and equity problems. The judge acknowledged those concerns and described the committee’s recommendation process and the limited authority of the grievance committee: a 6–8 vote triggers court reconsideration, but only a unanimous committee vote would require immediate budget change.