County Court Approves Elected Officials' Salaries and Plans Valor Program Budget

The Collin County Commissioners Court convened on August 25, 2025, to discuss key budgetary matters, including the approval of elected officials' salaries and updates on the county's contract with the Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD) regarding the VALOR program.

The meeting began with the court approving the current salaries for elected officials, confirming that there would be no raises aside from mandatory statutory increases for the judiciary. The motion passed unanimously with a 5-0 vote.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the CSCD's recent decision to eliminate the SCORE program, which had been operational for 30 years, in favor of continuing the VALOR program, a residential facility for veterans. The anticipated contract for FY 2026 is projected at $1,539,351 for 33 beds, with a daily rate of $127.80 per bed. This change is expected to streamline costs associated with the program, as the county will invoice CSCD quarterly for expenses incurred.

County Administrator Yoon Kim proposed an "upside down budget" approach to accommodate the anticipated revenue from the CSCD contract, allowing the county to purchase necessary fleet vehicles despite the initial budget constraints. This proposal aims to ensure that the county can maintain its fleet without incurring a deficit, as the revenue from the CSCD is expected to cover these costs.

The court discussed the implications of using grant funds from the VALOR program to offset costs in the sheriff's department versus directly funding fleet purchases. The conversation highlighted the need for careful financial planning to avoid future budget deficits, particularly in light of recurring expenses.

As the meeting concluded, the court agreed to further evaluate the proposed vehicle purchases and the overall budget adjustments in future sessions. The discussions underscored the county's commitment to managing resources effectively while addressing the needs of its departments and the community.