County budget faces scrutiny over mysterious payment issues

During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around financial oversight and budget management within the county. Judge Janney and Judge Mormon addressed a request from the auditor's office regarding the addition of a new individual to assist with financial matters, indicating a proactive approach to maintaining fiscal responsibility.

A key topic of concern arose when a board member from the housing authority reported signing a check exceeding $30,000, intended as a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) to the city of Navasota. This raised questions about the transparency and allocation of these funds, as the county's treasury office had no record of receiving such payments. The board member is scheduled to meet with the city manager to clarify the situation, which could potentially reveal an additional $7,000 in revenue for the county.

The meeting also highlighted the county's balanced budget, which includes a 6.7% cost-of-living adjustment for employees, excluding elected officials. A special meeting was scheduled to address salary corrections for elected officials, with the aim of ensuring compliance with statutory deadlines for public notification and grievance procedures. The process for handling grievances was outlined, emphasizing the established committee's role in addressing any dissatisfaction among elected officials regarding salary changes.

Overall, the discussions underscored the importance of financial transparency and accountability within the county's governance, as officials work to clarify funding sources and ensure proper budget management.