The Bexar County Commissioners Court held a work session on September 8, 2025, focusing on budgetary considerations and upcoming expenditures. The meeting began with discussions surrounding the proposed increase in the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for county employees, which is set at 3%. It was noted that this adjustment would add approximately $3 million to the base budget, a figure that will continue to grow in subsequent years.

Commissioners emphasized the importance of maintaining employee compensation while also considering the county's long-term financial health. It was highlighted that Bexar County has not historically decreased salaries or conducted layoffs, attributing this stability to prudent financial planning and reserve management. However, concerns were raised about the sustainability of increasing the COLA beyond the proposed 3%, especially in light of inflation metrics.

The discussion then shifted to a proposed $1.5 million contingency for an election order system, which some commissioners deemed premature. They expressed uncertainty about the necessity of this funding, suggesting that further evaluation of the system's requirements was needed before committing budgetary resources. Additionally, there was mention of a request for $700,000 for additional express vote ballot printers, which raised questions about the clarity and completeness of the information provided to the court regarding these expenditures.

Commissioners voiced their concerns about the lack of detailed justification for these additional costs, emphasizing the need for comprehensive information when introducing new technologies or processes. The meeting concluded with a call for more clarity on the proposed expenditures, particularly those related to the elections office, before any decisions are made.

Overall, the session underscored the balance the court seeks to maintain between employee compensation and fiscal responsibility, as well as the importance of transparency in budgetary requests. Further discussions and decisions are expected in the upcoming court meeting.