County Officials Discuss Budget for 75 New Positions Ahead of Upcoming Vote

The Waller County Commissioners Court Workshop held on September 3, 2025, focused on the significant budgetary challenges facing the county as it prepares for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting began with a discussion on the request for 75 new positions across various departments, highlighting the growing demand for staffing in a county with 420 employees. The requests included 40 full-time and 8 part-time positions, which were ultimately refined to the same numbers.

The financial implications of these requests were substantial, with a total estimated cost of around $12 million. However, county officials noted that the available revenue from new property value was only approximately $1.2 million, a figure deemed insufficient to meet the staffing needs. This revenue is further complicated by exemptions and the county's ability to increase its budget by only 3.5% without voter approval, limiting the financial flexibility of the county.

County Judge and officials emphasized the need for careful planning and discussion as they work to finalize the budget. The workshop served as a platform for open dialogue, allowing commissioners to address the pressing issues before the formal budget meeting scheduled for September 17, where the proposed budget and tax rate will be set.

Overall, the workshop underscored the challenges Waller County faces in balancing staffing needs with limited financial resources, setting the stage for critical decisions in the coming weeks.