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Kendall County budget workshop focuses on road repairs, solid‑waste options and grant timing
Summary
At a budget workshop the commissioners reviewed road-priority lists, a proposed $140,000 pre‑crusher to reduce hauling costs at the solid‑waste site, potential grant matches, and staffing or contracting options to complete prioritized road projects; commissioners debated hiring an additional road crew vs. outsourcing.
During its extended July 14 budget workshop, the Kendall County Commissioners Court reviewed priorities and funding options for road and solid‑waste projects following the July flood.
Roads: County Road & Bridge presented a precinct‑by‑precinct priority list that included Dodge Road, Mill Dam culvert replacement and numerous low‑water crossing swing‑gate installations. Commissioners emphasized low‑water crossing gates as an immediate priority given continued rain alerts. Road & Bridge staff described two sources of funding: existing fund‑11 road funds for routine work and potential reimbursable grant awards (CDBG and FEMA public assistance) for flood‑damaged structures. Commissioners debated whether to expand permanent staff — a new six‑person crew would cost roughly $425,000 annually including benefits — or to outsource larger rebuilds; staff said current budgets include roughly $3.4 million for seal coat and new road construction but that lack of personnel constrains project delivery.
Solid waste and debris: Solid Waste staff described a $140,000 pre‑crusher that would reduce airspace in open‑top hauls and cut monthly hauling costs by an estimated $4,000, with a payback horizon under three years if purchased outright; the county intends to pursue an ACOG regional solid‑waste grant to partially fund the purchase and understands reimbursement will be the typical reimbursable type.
Other items: Staff briefed the court on the mulch site contract with the fair association (current contract decade‑old and proposed to double for the coming year), options for used‑oil recycling containers at the recycling facility, and potential reuse of property for debris staging (bond counsel advised against long‑term use of bond‑restricted parkland except in a temporary emergency).
Why it matters: The workshop balanced immediate disaster recovery needs against longer‑term capital and personnel investments. Decisions about whether to hire additional road workers or to rely on outside contractors will affect the county’s ability to complete prioritized repairs and the ongoing county payroll budget.
Next steps: Road & Bridge will prepare bid/estimate packages for top priorities (Upper Cibolo Creek, 400 Blanco parking lot) and return in round‑3 of budget hearings (scheduled July 30) with cost estimates; staff will continue grant application coordination and advise commissioners on personnel vs. contract tradeoffs.
