Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Van Zandt County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
22 issues in taxes budget
ARPA grant compliance policies
With three months left on the grant-management contract, the county adopted three federal-compliance policies covering records, vendor conduct, and financial management for its roughly $11 million radio-system grant.
Creation of County Assistance District (CAD) and 2% Sales Tax
Voters may soon decide on creating a county assistance district that would collect sales tax, likely to fund emergency services. Residents are asking where the boundaries would be, how the public gets informed, and who controls the money once collected.
Slowing new property growth means less new revenue
Certified property values came in lower than last year, meaning about $407,000 less revenue at the same tax rate — and that drop includes $200M of new property that softened the hit. Two tax rate options (no-new-revenue and voter-approval) arrive August 5, and they'll drive every budget decision.
Employee salary increases (5% proposed)
The county may raise its TCDRS match from $1.75 to as much as $2.25 per employee dollar, at an annual cost of roughly $130,000–$350,000. Nearby counties mostly offer $2.00, and the court has lost employees to higher-matching counties.
Road and bridge funding allocation percentages
The court plans to restore the road and bridge share of property tax from 20.3% back to 25% — roughly $800,000 more for road materials — after last year's temporary cut.
2026 Primary Elections Administration
The state's free voter registration system has been a nightmare — bad data files, misprinted voter cards and counties across Northeast Texas unable to send mail-outs. Officials are leaning on state senators but say the paid alternative costs $75,000 a year.
November election and possible May bond election
November will be a big ballot with two ESDs, several cities, school districts and new CAD precinct boundaries to map. The court was warned to budget now for a possible May bond election.
County records going online
The clerk's office has scanned records back to the early 1900s and hopes to release them online within a couple of months. Viewing is free; printing costs $1 for the first ten pages.
Truck lease buyout and equipment replacement across precincts
Precinct 1 is buying out two leased trucks this year and warns a big lease payment wave hits in two years; the judge called the lease 'a bad deal.' Precincts are also weighing blade, broom, patch truck and dump truck purchases.
County Auditor staffing request
County Auditor Ben Miraglia wants one entry-level accountant to take over repetitive invoice and purchase-order work, freeing his three staff to do field cash counts — only three have been done this year — and improve transparency reporting for commissioners and the public.
Budget process methodology dispute
Should departments submit wish lists or last year's budget? Commissioner Williams wants realism since revenue numbers don't come until July 30; the Judge says departments deserve their say. This shapes how every department gets funded.
Courthouse restoration uncertainty
Fifth-floor window restoration came in around $800,000 with no bidders, and everything hinges on a grant and a possible bond election. The court agreed to hold off on courthouse spending for now.
Legal defense of green-energy moratorium and game rooms
The county may need up to $200,000 for outside lawyers if litigation hits the moratorium or game-room rules — especially since the DA's office may not handle civil defense. The AG's opinion on the moratorium is still pending.
JP clerk reclassification and pay
All the JP offices want their clerks bumped to chief deputy/administrator status with a raise — currently about $2/hour below comparable chief deputies — citing real responsibility running the offices.
Rising IT and software costs
Almost everything in the IT budget went up — evidence video storage, license plate reader software, patrol laptops, WatchGuard vehicle video near $100,000. Some of this serves other departments like the sheriff and DA.
Tax office workload growth
In-person transactions jumped from 68,533 in 2024 to 84,165 in 2025 with no new staff; the office also asked for uniform shirts to help customers identify staff.
Auditor purchasing rules: uniforms and water line items
After the auditor's office rejected the clerk's election T-shirt purchase and flagged water purchases, the court clarified that departments need dedicated line items — or a court declaration of necessity — to get reimbursed.
County likely ended FY2025 in the black
The county budgeted a $3.3 million deficit but spent about $4.1 million less than budgeted, likely ending the year with a surplus. That's good news for taxpayers heading into the FY2027 budget process.
Per diem and mileage reimbursement rates
Meal per diem has sat at $45/day for years while the GSA Texas standard is $68. Commissioners leaned toward $60/day, and tying mileage to the IRS/GSA rate (now 72.5 cents) so it updates automatically.
Online Agenda Transparency and Redaction
Residents have been pushing for meeting packet binders to be published online ahead of time so they can review items. Commissioners agreed to post redacted binders on Mondays, though staff expressed concerns about the heavy workload required to redact personal data.
Employee personal device policy
Sheriff's Office staff want iPhones instead of county-issued Androids, but IT says supporting both platforms doubles the security workload. The court is exploring splitting carriers between the Sheriff's Office and the county.
Appraisal District board vacancy
The appraisal district board has one open seat it couldn't fill last year. The county can submit nominations by the end of January, but the district's board makes the final choice from all entities' nominees.