Cooke County commissioners approve budget adjustments, delay several hires and large vehicle buys

Cooke County commissioners on July 13 approved a set of routine and budget items while postponing larger staffing and vehicle decisions until revenue projections are clearer.

The court unanimously approved the consent agenda, the treasurer’s monthly report for May and an updated 2026 investment policy after the county treasurer said staff moved just over $1 million out of one local government pool into an account that does not hold commercial paper to comply with a revised policy. The treasurer told the court the transfers were made to align with the investment committee’s revised allocation limits.

District Clerk Marcy described a sharp increase in time‑sensitive filings and mandated reporting that she said already consumes extra clerical hours. "These cases... require approximately 10 to 12 staff hours" for routine writ processing and 20–30 hours for complex matters, Marcy told the court, urging approval of additional staff. Commissioners approved converting a part‑time preservation position into a 29‑hour deputy clerk as an interim, net‑zero solution and agreed to revisit full‑time conversion if revenues allow.

On personnel and wage‑related requests the court adopted a cautious approach: several departments’ staffing increases and base‑pay adjustments were deferred. The court’s stated rationale was to approve line‑item budget requests where feasible while holding off on new ongoing salary commitments until the county’s revenue outlook is firmer.

Public‑safety budgets generated extended debate. The sheriff’s office secured a budget amendment to move roughly $62,000 in comp‑time and about $31,000 in overtime to extra‑help/overtime lines to cover medical leaves and staffing shortages; the amendment passed unanimously. Commissioners also discussed a proposal to switch the county judge and two justices of the peace from flat car allowances to IRS standard mileage reimbursement (76¢/mile, current federal rate). The court voted to budget $6,000 per office and implement mileage reimbursement for travel, a move officials said could be fairer to officials who log mileage and could save general‑fund dollars in some cases.

Emergency services funding and communications costs triggered a 3–2 vote. Commissioners debated options for fire/EMS run payments and the county’s exposure as local agencies migrate to the 700 MHz radio system; the court adopted a package that increases per‑department stipends, retains a per‑run payment baseline, and caps run payments to limit budget exposure. The court also directed staff to notify departments that, beginning Oct. 1, recurring 700‑MHz radio fees are expected to rise to $9 per radio per month.

On facilities, commissioners agreed to place $200,000 in the non‑departmental fund for Justice Center roof repairs rather than full replacement this year, and they approved monitoring equipment for critical generators at two remote radio sites. The court deferred nonessential capital items such as new flagpoles and a library water fountain.

Several motions authorizing routine procurement and land‑use matters passed without opposition: a preliminary plat for AM Ranches in Precinct 2, bid specifications for road oil and road aggregates, and a septic‑permit fee increase that sets new rates to cover inspection and software costs. A motion authorizing the county attorney to enter a contingency agreement relating to opioid litigation also passed.

What was postponed: the court declined to fund a new full‑time EMS or rescue vehicle purchase in this budget cycle. Commissioners agreed to rely on two incoming units expected via remount/grant processes in 2027–28 and approved a smaller equipment package — including one power‑load system and two stair/strap chairs — to keep front‑line ambulances operational. The court emphasized the long lead times for new emergency vehicles and the county’s limited near‑term resources.

The court recessed for lunch and resumed a long afternoon of departmental budgets before adjourning at 4:32 p.m. The court set follow‑up budget work days to finalize remaining items (sheriff, jail and related budgets) as staff provide additional revenue and procurement detail.

Votes at a glance - Consent agenda: approved, 5–0. - Treasurer’s monthly report (May): approved, 5–0. - Investment policy (2026): adopted, 5–0. - Jail salary/overtime budget amendment: approved, 5–0. - EMS director vacation payout (allowing successor to begin): approved, unanimous voice vote. - AM Ranches preliminary plat: approved, 5–0. - Bid specifications — road oil and road aggregates: approved, 5–0. - Septic permit fee increases: approved, 5–0. - Contingency agreement for opioid litigation: authorized, vote recorded as carried. - Fire/EMS option package (runs/stipends/caps): approved, 3–2.

Next steps: staff will provide revised revenue estimates, firm IT/IT hosting quotes and final procurement details for the sheriff and jail budgets at the scheduled follow‑up budget session.