Waller County Judge Discusses $5.8M Budget and Law Enforcement Needs

The Waller County Commissioners Court Workshop held on September 3, 2025, focused on the county's budget and the challenges of managing growth while maintaining essential services. A key highlight of the meeting was the announcement of an anticipated new revenue of approximately $5.8 million, which is crucial for funding various county operations.

County Judge discussed the constraints imposed by recent legislative changes, noting that the budget cap has decreased from 8.5% to 3.5%, with proposals to lower it further to 2.5% or even 1%. This reduction poses significant challenges for law enforcement funding, which is a major component of the county budget. The Judge emphasized the need for more patrols to meet public safety demands, especially as the county competes with neighboring Harris County for law enforcement personnel.

The discussion also touched on the budget allocations for constables, with each receiving an additional $30,000 for part-time pay, bringing their total to $50,000. This funding will allow constables to hire part-time employees, although the overall budget constraints mean that not all departments received their full requests. The Judge acknowledged the hard work of county employees, who are managing increased demands on services without the ability to expand staffing significantly.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges Waller County faces in balancing growth with the need for adequate public safety and service provision, all while navigating tighter budgetary restrictions. The court's commitment to prioritizing law enforcement and essential services remains clear, but the path forward will require careful financial management and strategic planning.