Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Val Verde County, TX public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues in taxes budget
Hotel reimbursement limit increase
The county is considering raising its daily hotel cap for official travel from $150 to $170 because a staff member attending a Fort Worth conference couldn't find a room at the lower rate. Small change, but it sets a precedent for the personnel policy.
Adult Probation office improvements and Target Range work
Two facility projects are up for approval: about $52,000 in flooring and paint for the Adult Probation offices and a $23,000 change order for interior work at the county Target Range.
Indigent defense services
The county's public defender office will cost about $140,000 more this year than appointed attorneys did last year, though 115 more cases are being handled and cases are closing faster. The court agreed to revisit the numbers during budget season.
County health insurance costs rising sharply
The county's health plan renewal jumps about $488,000 next year — $120.92 more per employee per month — because claims are running at 110% of premiums. The court approved it anyway, since shopping the plan isn't realistic at that loss ratio, and plans to push nurse-line and mental health benefits to cut ER overuse.
Tax-delinquent trust properties
The county is stuck holding pages of tax-delinquent properties it can't sell — other taxing entities keep blocking deals. Staff will bring private bids and lower minimum bids to the July 1 meeting to get them back on the tax roll.
County finances: clean audit and $71M net position
External auditors gave the county a clean opinion, and the judge highlighted growth in net position from $14 million in 2018 to $71 million, a 113-day rainy-day fund, and investment yields up from about 1% to 3.4–3.7%.
Payroll leave and comp time policy enforcement
The auditor explained the first-quarter payroll audit cut annual leave at 40 hours over and will swap leave for comp time where employees used the wrong one — employees should watch their balances.
Budget Adjustments for Technology and Software
The county moved $27,033.50 from its contingency fund to buy 10 new computers for TCOLE officer testing and cover essential annual software subscriptions.
County road funding and possible bond discussion
Judge Owens said residents' top complaint is road conditions and suggested the county consider borrowing money in the next budget to fund roads per mile in each precinct. No action was taken — the idea will come back during budget season.
National County Government Month and employee recognition
The county declared April 2026 National County Government Month and will host an employee appreciation lunch April 20 at the fairgrounds, with a chicken plate meal funded from the law library account.