Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Comal County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues in taxes budget
2027 County Budget Planning
The county is reviewing its proposed 2027 budget, balancing essential services, employee pay adjustments, and infrastructure needs while keeping the tax rate flat at $0.305015.
2026 Comal County Budget and 2025 Property Tax Rate Adoption
The County Judge unveiled an $181 million budget for 2026 that includes a proposed 4-cent property tax increase to support growing infrastructure, law enforcement pay scales, and flood control improvements. Commissioners discussed balancing taxpayer burden against critical capital needs like jail expansion and bridge safety.
Temporary Budget Administrator Position
To bridge a gap during the county auditor's retirement and prepare for upcoming budget cycles, the county created a temporary part-time Budget Administrator position.
County Financial Audit and Fiscal Health
The county received a clean financial audit report (ACFR) for 2025, highlighting healthy reserves of over nine months in the general fund and a compressed audit schedule that benefits taxpayers.
Comal Appraisal District Board Nomination
The county nominated a new representative for the Comal Appraisal District Board of Directors following the retirement of John Tyler. The board manages property valuations and local tax burdens.
County Court at Law No. 3 Salary Realignment and Overpayment Recovery
Commissioners voted 3-2 to realign the 2025 salary of County Court at Law Judge No. 3, reducing total compensation from $177,623 to $171,000. Judge Wigington strongly protested the mid-year pay reduction and payroll garnishment, arguing it violated wage agreements and employment contracts, while commissioners defended correcting an administrative error.
Elected Officials and Constable Salaries
The court approved line-item transfers to fund state-mandated salary supplements for district judges and county court at law judges.
Employee Benefits Renewal
The county approved health and supplemental insurance renewals for the 2026-2027 year. These plans are vital for employee retention and recruitment.
Return of Unobligated Federal ARPA SLFRF Funds
The county must return $272,387.08 in unspent federal COVID-19 relief funds to the U.S. Treasury because they were not obligated by the December 31, 2024 deadline.
County IT and Equipment Budget Adjustments
The court approved shifting contingency funds to cover rising costs for computer hardware upgrades and copier lease renewals across multiple departments.