Scurry County commissioners review preliminary 2026 budget; approve procedural actions

Scurry County commissioners on July 1 reviewed preliminary budget proposals for 2026, hearing department‑by‑department requests and approving several procedural actions and transfers while leaving final tax and allocation decisions for August.

The meeting opened with public remarks highlighting Snyder’s All‑America City Top‑20 finalist recognition; Libby Wiggins, who identified herself as a City of Snyder official and affiliate coordinator for Keep Snyder Beautiful, told the court Snyder’s presentation from the awards weekend is available on YouTube and that the trip yielded ideas for community projects.

Commissioners then considered several budget items presented by staff. Angela and finance staff walked the court through proposed allocations and line‑item changes for the appraisal district, library, senior center, youth center, parks and other departments. The appraisal district’s allocation was shown at roughly $411,484 for 2025 with a minor change for 2026; staff told commissioners the district’s board approves the appraisal district’s own budget and that the county’s share can vary year to year depending on tax‑roll percentages.

Parks staff outlined capital requests tied to a Texas Parks and Wildlife grant application that would fund eight tournament‑size pickleball courts and a small amphitheater at Brook Park, and discussed wiring work for Pixie Field and a failing community‑center air conditioner. Parks staff said parts of the work could be funded from an existing reserve (fund 29) rather than new levy dollars.

Enterprise funds drew detailed discussion at the golf course: commissioners and course managers discussed contract length, equipment leasing versus purchase for mowers and carts, and potential revenue streams such as a simulator and live scoring. The court discussed renewing the course’s management arrangement with the incumbent, Sid, and considered a five‑year renewal to lock in services.

EMS Director Jason outlined a proposed staffing increase (three positions, one per shift) and a new community‑care coordinator role intended to reduce unnecessary ambulance transports and improve follow‑up for frequent callers. Jason told commissioners, “We have lost about $40,000 this year in patient receipts approximately with city ambulance coming in and doing, taking our taxpayer dollars for paying customers,” and said added personnel would allow preventative work and better triage of transfer requests.

On motions and votes, the court approved by voice vote a procedural agreement authorizing RPM (a third‑party broker) to seek and present electricity supplier options to the county; commissioners noted RPM’s fee structure is paid by contractors, not the county. The court also voted to accept certain certified revenues reported at the meeting, including $214,180 in road‑damage proceeds from Canyon Wind Energy for damage to County Road 488 and a $4,400.59 unemployment surplus check from 2024. Line‑item transfers and one budget amendment (including Precinct 3 auto expenses and election maintenance) were also approved by voice vote.

The chair reminded the court that the numbers discussed were preliminary, with final certified figures expected after July 25; commissioners scheduled continued budget review for early August and a formal vote on the budget for August 19. The court adjourned after completing the preliminary review.

Outcome and next steps: Several departmental increases remain under review; commissioners will reconvene in early August with updated certified revenues and vote on the 2026 budget on Aug. 19.