Precinct 2 budget proposal outlines $25K employee salary increase and equipment cuts

The Hunt County Commissioners Court convened on July 11, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, including a proposed budget for Precinct 2 for the fiscal years 2025-2026. The meeting featured a detailed presentation by the precinct representative, who outlined the budgetary changes and justifications for the upcoming period.

The representative began by comparing the current budget for 2024-2025 with the proposed budget for 2025-2026, highlighting key adjustments. A notable change was in employee salaries, where the full-time salary line item decreased due to the retirement of a full-time employee, who was replaced by part-time staff. This shift resulted in a $25,000 increase in part-time salaries.

In terms of equipment maintenance, the representative proposed a reduction in the budget from $160,000 to $125,000. This decrease is attributed to the planned purchase of three new dump trucks to replace aging models, which have incurred high repair costs. The representative emphasized that this investment would ultimately save money in maintenance.

Additionally, the budget for auto liability insurance was increased from approximately $11,000 to $15,000, anticipating higher costs associated with insuring the new trucks. Conversely, the budget for uniforms was reduced from $10,000 to $7,500, with plans to purchase uniforms directly rather than using a uniform service, which is expected to halve the costs.

The representative also proposed a reduction in operating supplies from $12,000 to $8,000, citing changes in supplier practices over the past two years as a reason for the decrease.

Overall, the meeting underscored a careful approach to budget management, with the representative emphasizing responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds while addressing necessary operational needs. The proposed budget will be further reviewed and discussed in upcoming sessions, as the court continues to evaluate financial strategies for the precinct.