Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Nueces County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in taxes budget
Public Information Officer Position and Car Allowance
The county's new PIO job has been posted 27 days with concerns the pay is too low to attract strong candidates. Commissioner Marez pushed a car allowance and possible salary supplement; the court approved a $4,500 car allowance from contingency.
County Property and Liability Insurance Renewal
The county is dropping Acrisure/Carlisle as its insurance broker and hiring Lockton, with the final contract pending county attorney review.
Hospital District Budget & Tax Rate
The Hospital District set its tax rate at the no-new-revenue level of 0.088501 and approved a budget using reserves to fund indigent care and medical education.
FY 2026-27 Nueces County Budget & Tax Rate
The county held a public hearing on a proposed property tax rate increase of 7.38% for the county and 9.47% for the Hospital District, exceeding the no-new-revenue tax rate.
Tax Year 2026 Truth-in-Taxation Calculations
County officials presented preliminary property tax rate calculations and healthy fund balances for Tax Year 2026. Thanks to state-mandated personal property exemptions, the no-new-revenue tax rate closely mirrors the current rate, and commissioners are considering utilizing debt service fund balances to ease the tax burden.
County Grant Cash Flow Capacity
The auditor and commissioners discussed the county's capacity to front-fund major reimbursable grants, such as $41 million in active projects, while awaiting state and federal reimbursement.
Forensic Investigation Report Review
Consultants presented findings from the forensic audit of the Health Insurance Fund and County Auditor's office, prompting discussions on internal controls and policy enforcement.