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Public commenter tells Newton County commissioners precinct accounts show large unspent balances
Summary
At a public hearing, Mr. Norton urged the Newton County Commissioners Court to explain apparent six‑ and five‑figure balances in precinct accounts and to return unbudgeted funds to the general fund if no specific purpose exists.
A public commenter told the Newton County Commissioners Court that he was alarmed by what he described as very large unspent balances in precinct accounts and urged the court to reallocate unbudgeted funds to the general fund.
"I come across some numbers here lately that sort of staggered me," said Mr. Norton during public comment, pointing to account totals he said included "over a million" in one precinct, "over $800,000" in another, and multiple accounts with several hundred thousand dollars. He said residents have been told their commissioners "don't have any money" for road work or raises, but the account balances he reviewed suggest otherwise.
The court did not take immediate action on the comment during the meeting. Commissioners and staff referenced budget rules and the legal percentages that govern tax revenue distribution but did not provide a specific accounting or timeline to respond within the public session. The judge and commissioners noted that some funds may be budgeted for specific purposes; Mr. Norton said his concern was funds "not budgeted" and urged that such monies be returned to the general fund so county needs can be addressed.
Because this was a public comment, no formal vote followed. The record shows the court moved on to the consent agenda after the comment period.
The Newton County Commissioners Court meets regularly; residents seeking a follow-up should contact the county clerk or auditor's office for a detailed precinct account breakdown and budget status.
