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Brooks County commissioners review 2025–26 budget after $1.7 million accounting error noted
Summary
At a July 3 special meeting, the Brooks County Commissioners' Court reviewed proposed 2025–26 budget cuts and identified a $1.7 million data-entry error that moved funds into Fund 12 instead of the ARPA fund; commissioners approved routine bills and adjourned while awaiting preliminary revenue figures and a $166,000 reimbursement.
On July 3, 2025, the Brooks County Commissioners' Court met in special session in Falfurrias. County Judge Eric Ramos opened the meeting at 9:10 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The court conducted a workshop on the 2025–26 county budget, approved routine bills and adjourned at 9:50 a.m.
The court’s discussion focused on proposed reductions after staff reported that a 10% budget cut has reached its maximum practicable level. The record shows the court considered targeted reductions to technology spending and a rural route service, but commissioners did not adopt final cuts and said they are waiting for preliminary revenue numbers before making further decisions. The minutes record an internal accounting error of $1,700,000 that was entered into Fund 12 instead of the county’s ARPA fund; the record does not attribute that figure to a single speaker.
The workshop included a review of available cash and anticipated reimbursements. The minutes list cash-on-hand at $100,216 and certificates of deposit totaling $600,216. The court noted a pending reimbursement of $166,000 from an entity listed as “OLS” (not further specified in the minutes). The record also notes that abatement revenue tied to a solar project is not expected to be realized until 2029.
Procedural business recorded in the minutes included approval of bills and the formal adjournment. Commissioner Aaron Trevino moved to approve the bills; Commissioner Eduardo “Eddie” Garza seconded the motion, which passed by unanimous roll-call vote (Yes = 5). Later, Commissioner Rolando Gutierrez moved to adjourn, with Garza seconding; that motion also passed unanimously and the court adjourned at 9:50 a.m.
The minutes indicate an executive-session item was listed but that there was no discussion. The court also listed personnel items for consideration (employment, resignations and retirements) but the minutes do not record substantive action or outcomes on those items.
Next steps recorded in the minutes are procedural: staff will await preliminary revenue numbers before presenting additional budget adjustments, and the court will consider the effect of the $1.7 million accounting correction and pending reimbursements as part of forthcoming budget work. No final budget vote or ordinance adoption is recorded in these minutes.
