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Brooks County judge warns tax increase likely as commissioners resume budget workshop
Summary
County Judge Eric Ramos told the Commissioners Court that a drop in property valuations means the county will likely need to raise taxes or make significant cuts, including a possible 10% across‑the‑board reduction and position eliminations; the court recessed to continue the budget on Aug. 2.
County Judge Eric Ramos told the Brooks County Commissioners Court that "taxes would need to be increased this budget year," framing the move as a response to a decline in property valuation.
County Auditor August Patroelj told the court the need for higher taxes stems from a loss in valuation; Ramos said without an increase the county would face a 10% across‑the‑board reduction in spending and possible elimination of some positions. The court discussed several options to balance the budget, including pausing elected‑official pay increases and reducing retirement rates to lower payroll costs.
Commissioners also discussed selling county properties to raise revenue: Ramos outlined plans to pursue sale of the Blumer Building and to offer the Penly and Wilder Building to the Ed Rachal Foundation to be leased back to the county once renovated. Court members considered adding a code‑enforcement officer as a revenue‑generating measure.
The court recessed to continue the budget workshop on Aug. 2 at 9:00 a.m. for additional figures and deliberations. The motion to recess passed unanimously.
