[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6197467,"mediaKeyId","3853343-3c067088d720dfadc0fc9f58fb2a7577","parentId",3853343,"title","Hunt County judge urges cautious FY25–26 budgeting amid redistricting and jail capacity concerns","audioSeconds",1647,"startMs",1990000,"endMs",3637000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3853343-3c067088d720dfadc0fc9f58fb2a7577&start=1990&end=3637","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3853343-3c067088d720dfadc0fc9f58fb2a7577/thumbnail_1990000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6197467/Hunt-County/Texas/Hunt-County-judge-urges-cautious-FY2526-budgeting-amid-redistricting-and-jail-capacity-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6197467-e11dc0eda60810602464b0e91d4ecde9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153760&Signature=VXMfsbEnw-Fj6hioWAdUMOw6UNHXmQ~colfsbJHu7t6SepG-8--6co7Q9CbiIBOkAYJCg4wZumS2Gijagxxg5zg60CLR1EjGJ0PS1-xsAv2mJysogxo1ENmqN2btHG6jxS6LTB9g6yqhmaZAHb74P~qtwjUF8xvKdbJiKGLAxWT6ZpLxRwtj3MQMMZb4hpbltqf35SzcbuBAYm5XMpnomLQ-87KUF5kHFnrn2yCQTpyKMUz7fDCI7b9IO44OUTJaOQqaqXy0IqejBgsYZP4MthufLr1GX4bCBK3FK01yPrHsZ~omAlqVdA2W-SpN8tZCZUVFnMrNDH9pfYHDfY-Zsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hunt County, TX","date","2025-06-18T00:07:10.273Z","article","Judge Stovall opened a county-wide budget conversation Monday, urging commissioners to be cautious as Hunt County develops its FY 2025–26 spending plan amid growth, redistricting and jail capacity pressures.

The judge presented a planning figure for a 3% across-the-board pay increase — estimated at roughly $544,006.66 in base wages — and warned that benefits, retirement and payroll taxes could push the true budget impact higher (staff discussed adding roughly 15–20% for total cost). \"If you throw, you know, 20% on it, that bumps it up to 650,\" the judge said while describing the need to account for benefits and employer costs.

County staff cited a preliminary ad valorem (taxable) value estimate of about $16 billion for the year, up from roughly $14 billion the prior year; the judge said that could yield approximately $3.5–4 million in new revenue at the current tax rate but cautioned preliminary values can change between the preliminary and final rolls.

Commissioners heard several time-sensitive operational concerns tied to mapping and elections: one voting precinct in the Caddo area currently shows about 9,116 registered voters, exceeding the county’s target maximum of 5,000 per precinct; the judge said the county must find polling locations and complete redistricting work by the statutory deadlines and suggested having voting-location availability guide precinct adjustments.

Sheriff Terry told the court the county jail is operating near recent highs and needs more staff. He described daily inmate counts in the high 300s on some days and said the typical range is earlier around 300. \"We're that full,\" he said, arguing for additional deputies and an investigator to maintain safety and operations across the county's 900 square miles. The sheriff said cities do not provide extra staffing for county jail beds and that transporting inmates and court logistics create additional costs.

Judge Stovall and others noted the county receives limited state reimbursement for inmates the state eventually accepts: the judge said the state reimburses approximately $45 per day for sentenced inmates transferred to state custody but the county’s per-inmate cost is about $70–$75 per day, creating a local shortfall. He also said indigent defense and other state-mandated services create budget pressures, while county fund balance and capital-improvement contingencies are available but not unlimited.

Court members discussed broader fiscal strategy: whether to aim for a balanced budget this year, how to prioritize raises and staffing requests, and the need for a capital improvement plan. Judge Stovall asked departments to be prepared to present staffing requests at upcoming budget meetings; the court scheduled additional budget sessions in June and July to tighten assumptions before the final roll is set.

Why it matters: Redistricting deadlines, public-safety staffing shortages and recurring costs tied to growth mean the county must balance competing needs while avoiding a structural deficit. The court did not take final budget votes Monday; it moved into executive session on other matters and will continue budget work at follow-up meetings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Commissioners Court Regular Session","oneSentenceSummary","Judge Stovall outlined budget pressures including a proposed 3% across‑the‑board raise, redistricting and polling-place challenges, and jail capacity and staffing shortages; commissioners discussed balancing a budget while responding to growth-related needs.","taxTitle","Hunt County, Texas","taxId",51030,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6197472,"Commissioners authorize up to $78,000 hire for 911 addressing/GIS coordinator as county expands mapping duties",758,1202000,1960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3853343-3c067088d720dfadc0fc9f58fb2a7577&start=1202&end=1960","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3853343-3c067088d720dfadc0fc9f58fb2a7577/thumbnail_1202000.jpg","/articles/6197472/Hunt-County/Texas/Commissioners-authorize-up-to-78000-hire-for-911-addressingGIS-coordinator-as-county-expands-mapping-duties","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6197472-146d12941c3849961cd582bfde659908/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153760&Signature=bMBGMjRIS4kCdA~fvGGdPHk2g3tBbkNogKBMecH5RG6OKMM-z6-QVFVj2qdoiCQ~3I2Pm38zS6iCHtJv3NPS-PJOzZHQjpsCorwKW26V2xYiuJ9FgYgMnCatNCW6IHmZFXW7UvqwZiOlz6MZV45Rlc7luFVXtNMGWhIKfgGrQn26S25i4CS2lllngSDe~PjpEEvB9RGWgOQ-oT6o11i~2Z1sf-i6YN5pyZsklLhWuWi2-x2bi4ubDjndjzV4GmsdlCP~paaeV2wrUHYkaj806T0FOtVcDv5WnGhu0S3Z7uCtWhEE43siscYS6T6VF7MCYo2Z8hlgm3UlxSLN3j3ftA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hunt County Commissioners’ Court on Monday authorized staff to offer up to $78,000 in annual salary, plus the county car allowance, for a 911 addressing/GIS coordinator to replace a retiring employee and expand county mapping services.

Judge Stovall described a recommended candidate who currently performs GIS addressing work for Lubbock, holds a relevant bachelor's degree and is pursuing a master’s in GIS at Texas A&M. The judge said the position will grow as the county implements zoning changes around Lake Tawakoni and as redistricting and other departments require more precise mapping. \"If we don't... have that position, we're wasting our time trying to do the zoning because we won't do a very good job with it,\" the judge said.

Staff said the position was budgeted near $72,000 (the salary of the prior incumbent, Kathy) but the candidate sought higher pay; the court discussed offers in the $75,000–$80,000 range. One commissioner moved to \"split the difference\" at $78,000; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff noted the hire might require a small budget adjustment and that the position is technically a department-head role that includes a county vehicle that is used for inspections and field work.

Sandy (county staff) and others described functions the coordinator would perform: 911 addressing, importing survey and plat data into county systems, updating zoning maps, and supporting voter precinct mapping. Staff estimated the candidate could start \"probably by the first of the month\" and emphasized the county could grow the position into a broader community development/GIS department lead in the future.

Why it matters: commissioners said accurate GIS capacity is needed to support zoning, road work, elections redistricting and other county services. The court authorized a salary offer and directed staff to implement the hire, with possible small budget adjustments to cover the higher pay.","Hunt County commissioners authorized offering up to $78,000 (plus vehicle allowance) for a candidate to fill the 911 addressing/GIS coordinator role, citing expanded responsibilities tied to zoning and voter redistricting needs.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6197477,"County, Encore discuss coordinating utility relocations with road-widening to avoid duplicated costs",460,594000,1054000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3853343-3c067088d720dfadc0fc9f58fb2a7577&start=594&end=1054","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3853343-3c067088d720dfadc0fc9f58fb2a7577/thumbnail_594000.jpg","/articles/6197477/Hunt-County/Texas/County-Encore-discuss-coordinating-utility-relocations-with-road-widening-to-avoid-duplicated-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6197477-1db1e4ab8c4f59bb582a11ab65548e08/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153760&Signature=Q62yTSNB0k1AiTRJvpmuhExzjVNuRen9da9JTvgv1WGYLW-QaSe20XXaSLMwDoXxKGaeccVMwS0hDfJ97NKBZSXxaLc1--nT65AmLoL6GYScqlGgqrP5Yqk9jeFL9MP2XALC7HvNPbnYmu87BS91Q~idH88EWD2nj9~UyAi3B~pCtUChICduJgqBkon4awX0oT2FETDt7GEqfUKM3YZ2bK0oV4PchEWswZ~H9dBq80un7oymqqx~rMnSOe12AFcEdqrS3u6hytmTmGVem1N25wl-QgAFfA~WbQa4Oi9j2xq74Vo6wojBbqbVy3w8BZ-kSSUVMmrgQ~iodonvlaAy4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives from Encore and Hunt County told the Commissioner’s Court Monday they want closer coordination to avoid moving power lines ahead of planned road-widening projects.

An Encore representative told the court the company is receiving developer requests to relocate lines \"before y'all are ready to do the work,\" which forces Encore to build temporary zigzag alignments that increase costs and add poles. \"If we're not widening the road yet, then it makes sense for us just to wait until y'all are ready to go and then move the line over,\" the speaker said. The representative gave an example of a 1,600-foot relocation that would require adding multiple poles and dead-end configurations, magnifying the cost of a small isolated relocation.

County officials and Encore discussed who pays for widening when developers plat new sections of road; the county said developers typically pay to widen their section of road. Encore asked for a minimum planning notice of several months to schedule relocations. Commissioners suggested a periodic coordination meeting across precincts so Encore can see which roads are scheduled for work and schedule relocations efficiently.

Encore introduced staff in the room — Ritchie Brewster (supervisor), Anthony Gordon (manager), Sam Thornhill (local design supervisor) and Diane Harris (local coordinator) — and identified Diane Harris as a local contact for coordination. County staff referenced Britney (administrative assistant) and Brian Toole, the county development director, as points of contact for developer coordination. Commissioners volunteered to meet with Encore and county development staff to work out procedures; Judge Stovall said the matter does not require a formal policy and can be handled by coordination between staff and contractors.

Why it matters: coordination can reduce duplicate construction, lower costs to Encore’s ratepayers, and reduce future relocations that county road projects would later make necessary. No formal action was taken; the court closed the item after agreeing to pursue improved communication and at least one working meeting.","Encore and Hunt County officials discussed delaying electric line relocations until planned road-widening projects to avoid inefficient zigzagging of poles and added expense; parties agreed to improve coordination and schedule periodic meetings.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6197482,"Hunt County court approves switch to Pacific Life for dental and vision",162,164000,326000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3853343-3c067088d720dfadc0fc9f58fb2a7577&start=164&end=326","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3853343-3c067088d720dfadc0fc9f58fb2a7577/thumbnail_164000.jpg","/articles/6197482/Hunt-County/Texas/Hunt-County-court-approves-switch-to-Pacific-Life-for-dental-and-vision","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6197482-5af738d5e7be2bc2d74f4ef388c6c345/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153760&Signature=H7nK~-1lmVz089MxgYJoO~Ewtd78FBNVPes5YO-fK-bB~5IOC2CBP3-wfliAASYOUMXsNv5cdYfECLwdyBELQIVTGauD3tx0yPVLSBzgDmBhiJQhW3dIiHF8Uugqy6uxl9YFipFWy2kdUoXlgUUpbExMs4uDTda394e5CZRhdUPqBjnGfRPg9VcNVi9ND6N6EsWYGsfZBfO9ydQ156j-JwJCWsHzN2knTG4fv1a-CJ8omh9iH9mDSOGsWVsANmeLwlqPknNAHGfP~g~mxxEqNakO9OfCMiN4tWx2aKDkYtKfy4e9oDobbHgmVrIV8Eu-qp~1ONgvm841L2iV3RefQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hunt County Commissioner’s Court voted Monday to switch the county’s dental and vision coverage to Pacific Life for fiscal year 2025–26.

The change was approved after staff said the Pacific Life plan raises the per-person dental benefit to $3,000 while lowering the county’s monthly premium for the employee plan. A staff member who presented the numbers said the county’s renewal rate with the current carrier would be $41.84 per month, and the Pacific Life option would be $39.13 per month. \"We're getting more coverage and then the price is going down,\" the staff member said during the discussion.

The court’s presiding officer, Judge Stovall, asked if commissioners had questions and then asked for a motion. A commissioner moved to approve the switch, another seconded, and the court voted: \"Aye\"; \"Motion carries.\" The meeting record does not list named votes.

Commissioners asked when the change would take effect; the effective date was not specified in the discussion. Staff also noted other vendor alternatives had been more expensive.

Why it matters: the switch increases the county’s dental benefit while the reported premium impact on employees or the county’s overall benefits budget was discussed only in general terms. Commissioners approved the change on the record and the matter will be implemented by staff.

The court handled this item under \"old business\" and voted on the motion during its regular agenda. No other formal conditions or contingencies were entered on the record.","Hunt County Commissioner’s Court voted to switch dental and vision coverage to Pacific Life for FY 2025–26 after staff said the plan increases the dental benefit and slightly lowers the monthly premium.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Hunt County judge urges cautious FY25–26 budgeting amid redistricting and jail capacity concerns

Commissioners authorize up to $78,000 hire for 911 addressing/GIS coordinator as county expands mapping duties

County, Encore discuss coordinating utility relocations with road-widening to avoid duplicated costs

Hunt County court approves switch to Pacific Life for dental and vision