Guadalupe County Commissioners Court on Nov. 3, 2026 received an update on two ARPA-funded construction projects and learned the U.S. Treasury will not permit an extension; approved a controversial final plat for Lantana Unit 2 despite drainage concerns and a 3-2 vote; and approved several contracts, change orders and routine consent items.
Discussion Points
•Administration recommended renewal based on performance and benefits inside the jail.
•Adult Detention authored the RFP scope and specifications.
•Bluebonnet Trails provides psychiatric services in the jail and has done so for several years.
•Counsel warned denial raises statutory and litigation risk.
•Current vendor will be extended month-to-month until replacement contract awarded.
•Extra inspections were required by city or specifications and were not in UES’ original billing.
•Retainage (5%) likely cannot be billed post-deadline without special authority; staff recommends conservatism.
•Some drainage and roadway areas are within City of Santa Clara jurisdiction, complicating county remedies.
•Staff said UES confirmed this would be the last change order for inspections.
•Staff urged strong close-out evidence (photos, geotags) for potential audits.
•Third-party reviewer issued a letter of no objection but flagged possible modeling problems.
•Treasury will not extend ARPA grant; must complete by 12/31/2026 to use funds.
Decisions
•Change orders approved.
•Final plat approved by court vote 3–2.
•Order to advertise approved.
•Renewal approved.
Directions
•Keep the EOC/ERC closeout on each court agenda for brief updates.
•Obtain letters of engagement and cost estimates for a drainage study if warranted.
•Publish the RFP and manage Q&A by Nov. 18; accept proposals through Dec. 2.
•Return to court for award after evaluation.
•Staff to attempt a meeting with the city and the developer to pursue mitigation.
•Staff to improve communications and oversight of third-party proposals and to report on final invoices.
•Staff to reconcile bills and pay applications and work with contractors to maximize billing before the deadline.
The Guadalupe County Commissioners Court convened a special meeting Nov. 2, 2026, to enter an executive session under Section 551.074 for interviews for the county human resources director. The court conducted multiple closed interviews, took no appointment action and adjourned after reconvening in the afternoon.
Discussion Points
•Chair announced Item 2 would be an executive session under Section 551.074 to deliberate appointment of the human resources director.
•Chair stated interviews would begin at 9:00 a.m. and were expected to wrap up around 2:00 p.m.
•Upon return from closed session, the Chair stated multiple interviews were conducted and thanked applicants.
Decisions
•Motion to adjourn approved; meeting adjourned at 3:18 p.m.
•No appointment made at this meeting; no formal action on Item A.
Directions
•Clerk to record no action taken on Item A and reflect reconvening time in minutes.
•Place the HR director appointment back on a future public agenda for further discussion.
Guadalupe County Commissioner’s Court met Oct. 27, 2026. Residents pressed the court on ambulance coverage and a large asphalt-millings stockpile on Fullman Road; the court received a hospital budget presentation, adopted a proclamation for National Manufacturing Month, approved several procurement and budget items and deferred a contested final plat for Lantana Unit 2 pending further review.
Discussion Points
•Chamber representative emphasized the size and workforce of local manufacturing.
•Commissioner read proclamation text and court adopted it by voice vote.
•Options discussed: approve, approve with conditions, deny for statutory reasons, or defer; court deferred to gather more information.
•Procurement includes handhelds/mobiles for multiple public‑safety departments and multi‑year subscription prepayment to lock pricing.
•Projected gross revenue increase ~$49M driven by outpatient imaging (+$18M), lab (+$6.5M) and volume growth.
•Projected net income increase from $8.3M to $11.8M year over year; capital spending tied to Laurel Building.
•Purchasing confirmed use of HGAC cooperative to satisfy competitive purchasing requirements.
•Resident argued county lacks a designated ambulance service and raised concerns about rapid housing growth increasing risk.
•Resident reported an ~1 hour ambulance delay and repeated 911 reroutes during a severe injury on Oct. 12.
•Residents described safety hazards from heavy truck movements and a large asphalt millings stockpile on private property off Fullman Road.
•Road & Bridge said it lacks authority to stop private property activity absent evidence of commercial use; TCEQ was investigating potential permit triggers for stockpiling and runoff controls.
•TRC and former county engineer issued letter of no objection, but commissioners presented photos and field observations of ponding and questioned adequacy of retention.
Decisions
•Motion to approve and authorize prepayment carried by voice vote.
•No action taken at this meeting; item placed on next week's agenda.
•No formal action taken; court to follow up with research and staff findings.
•No immediate county restrictions; matter to be monitored and revisited when TCEQ completes its determination or additional evidence is developed.
•Presentation accepted; no county appropriation or budget action taken at meeting.
•Proclamation accepted; no further action required.
Directions
•Authorize prepayment as stated in invoices; purchasing to finalize contract paperwork.
•Commissioners requested follow‑up on patient volumes and staffing/cost drivers as needed.
•Residents encouraged to file formal complaints with TCEQ and gather evidence (invoices, video).
•Staff (Road & Bridge and Environmental Health) to continue coordination with TCEQ and the sheriff's office and report back with findings and any enforceable options.
•Staff to pursue additional technical review and coordinate with city of Santa Clara for drainage mitigation options and to return with findings next week.
•Staff to research options (ESD, contractual ambulance service, regulatory complaint process) and report back to the court.
Residents raised safety concerns about large asphalt millings being stockpiled along Fullman Road and slow ambulance response times; the court accepted a proclamation for National Manufacturing Month, heard a Glenwood Regional Medical Center budget presentation, approved several contracts and budget amendments, and deferred a contested Lantana Unit 2 plat for further review.
Discussion Points
•CFO reported $49M gross revenue increase projection for 2027 driven by outpatient services and price increases.
•Chamber rep highlighted manufacturing workforce numbers and the sector's local importance.
•Commissioners discussed potential remedies including requiring a commercial driveway, weight/parking restrictions, sheriff enforcement for roadway obstruction, and the possibility of road widening or abandonment but noted legal and practical constraints.
•Consent items approved as a block.
•County staff acknowledged receipt of city D.A. and third‑party reviewer letters but said the drainage review did not trigger required modifications per the checklist.
•County staff explained the variance request for a temporary aerobic drip system to serve a new fire station while sewer service is extended.
•Developer presented plat and drainage reports reviewed by Coude and TRC; staff and a commissioner presented photographs and field evidence showing ponding and intersection drainage issues.
•Hospital projects net income growth from about $8.3M to $11.8M; commissioners asked about patient volume and praised progress.
•Lead time for build estimated at 29–32 months; staff will monitor for stock opportunities to accelerate delivery.
•Multiple budget amendments were passed to reconcile FY2026 matters and set FY2027 lines for grant and donated assets.
•Neighbors presented evidence of a large asphalt milling stockpile and heavy truck traffic, and said the narrow, 11–13 foot road impairs safe passing and emergency response access.
•Purchasing staff presented three quotes and explained prepayment locks multi‑year subscription pricing.
•Resident reported a one‑hour ambulance delay for a severely injured youth and said there is no county‑designated ambulance service covering growing subdivisions near Seguin.
•Resident requested the county pursue creation of an ESD or other financing/operational solution to ensure timely ambulance coverage.
•Road & Bridge and environmental staff explained limits of county authority absent evidence of commercial use; TCEQ is investigating environmental permit triggers.
•Staff confirmed cooperative procurement (HGAC) to satisfy competitive‑bidding requirements.
•Staff explained prepayment avoids imminent manufacturer price increases and provides a discount of roughly $98,508.
•Staff recommended conditions including maintenance and eventual tie‑in to sewer service; commissioners discussed reserve-area differences between county order and state requirements.
Decisions
•Accepted developer's performance bond; no action on the final plat (tabled) pending further review.
•Approved Motorola contract and authorized prepayment.
•Approved prepayment agreement and purchase order.
•Consent items and budget amendments approved.
•No immediate regulatory enforcement action taken by the court; matter to return to court pending evidence or further agency findings.
•Proclamation adopted
•Variance approved.
Directions
•Authorize prepayment per invoices and proceed with contract execution.
•Finance staff to process the budget amendments and report back with appropriate journal entries and documentation.
•Grant variance for five years with maintenance and monitoring conditions.
•Proceed with prepayment and execution of the purchase order under purchasing oversight.
•Road & Bridge to assess road condition and options for weight or parking restrictions if statutory tests are met.
•Staff to continue investigation and coordinate with TCEQ; residents encouraged to collect invoices, videos or other evidence showing commercial sales or off‑site deliveries.
•Staff to explore options for establishing designated ambulance service or Emergency Services District and report back to court.
•Staff to investigate additional drainage studies or mitigation options and coordinate with the city of Santa Clara; the plat was set to return for further consideration.
Guadalupe County Commissioners Court met Oct. 13, 2026, receiving a construction update on the Emergency Operations Center and Emergency Response Center, debating whether to continue a $1.8M GLO bridge grant or fund county-built crossings, denying a right-of-way variance for a South Santa Clara subdivision, approving an RFQ for flood-mitigation engineering, and adopting a proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Discussion Points
•Airflow commissioning critical for finish work; target Nov. 16.
•Alternatives include county-built clear-span bridges (~$400K each) or additional culverts (~$125K) at one crossing.
•Applicant proposed 40-foot access easement + 30-foot roadway in lieu of 70-foot ROW for a 5.3-acre commercial cutout.
•ARPA fund closeout and federal deadlines constrain scheduling and invoicing.
•Commissioners raised concerns about precedent and county enforcement limits.
•Contractors reported 40 days of rain delay and unexpected high‑plasticity soils causing schedule slips.
•County match of roughly $625,000 and administrative burden for a reimbursing grant noted.
•Grant administrator warned of potential repayment risk if the county withdraws.
•Proclamation cited local service volume: 1,675 crisis calls and 7,513 services in prior year.
•RFQ to gather qualifications for a drainage master plan and targeted flood mitigation studies; $2.0–$2.5M grant range discussed.
•Staff cautioned that subdivision triggers the 70-foot requirement and that future residential development could create safety and utility issues.
•Staff presented a $2.38M combined estimate and explained why the grant design requires land acquisition and a no-rise standard.
•Thriving Hearts CEO thanked court and public; announced candlelight vigil Oct. 22.
Decisions
•Motion to deny variance carried 3–2.
•No final decision; staff follow-up requested.
•No formal action; change order item for insulation inspection pulled for later consideration.
•Order to advertise RFQ approved; staff to proceed with procurement schedule.
•Proclamation approved unanimously.
Directions
•Continue weekly project coordination meetings and provide updates to court.
•Court authorized advertising RFQ and asked staff to return with scope, finalist interviews and budget implications before obligating match funds.
•Court presented proclamation and encouraged public participation in awareness events.
•Daniella (staff) to discuss future implications with the applicant and advise on utilities and subdivision triggers.
•Staff to contact GLO grant manager to discuss extensions, penalties and reallocation options.
•Staff to engage engineer to identify scope reductions and alternative designs.
•Staff to pursue substantial-completion coordination with City of Seguin and assist with inspections.
Regular session of the Guadalupe County Commissioner's Court on 2026-10-13 covering a domestic violence proclamation, updates on EOC/ERC construction and ARPA funding timing, a contested GLO bridge grant discussion and variance denial for a South Santa Clara Road subdivision, several administrative approvals, and a flood-mitigation RFQ decision.
Discussion Points
•40-day rain delays and high plasticity soils increased scope and schedule risk.
•Airflow commissioning, permanent power hookups and MEP finish are immediate milestones.
•ARPA eligibility/timing constrains what can be performed/payed after Dec. 31.
•Candlelight vigil scheduled Oct. 22 from 6–7 p.m. in Central Park.
•Commissioners voiced budgetary concern about matching funds and administrative workload.
•County concerned about setting precedent and long-term road/right-of-way impacts.
•County staff confirmed the usage configuration and moved to approve the MOU.
•Developer cited lack of power and sewer capacity as reasons to limit initial footprint.
•GLO could seek repayment for funds already spent if county withdraws.
•Grant-backed design estimated at ~$2.38M for two crossings; county alternatives could cost ~ $800,000 each.
•RFQ release required to keep grant eligibility and avoid losing opportunity.
•Selected grant sites chosen under LMI criteria; commissioners questioned LMI applicability.
•State CID requested space for investigations; they will bring their own furniture and currently occupy room 54B.
•Thriving Hearts provided local service numbers: 1,675 crisis calls and 7,513 services from Sept 2025–Aug 2026.
•TWDB grant size estimated at $2.0–2.5M with county match ~$625,000.
•Variance triggered because subdividing 5 acres from 22-acre parcel.
Decisions
•Advertise RFQ 27-04
•MOU approved
•Proclamation approved
•Variance denied 3–2
Directions
•Proceed with RFQ advertising; staff to return with award recommendations and budget amendment if necessary.
•Staff to consult GLO grant manager and return with re-scoped options and repayment risk analysis.
•Staff to coordinate with city for inspections and explore substantial-completion assistance.
•Staff to follow up with developer on alternatives and compliance steps.
Guadalupe County Commissioner’s Court met Sept. 29, 2026. The court heard a public safety appeal about aggressive dogs in the Redwood neighborhood, approved proclamations for Mediation Awareness Month and Fire Prevention Week, kept its employee stop‑loss deductible at $125,000 after a Gallagher presentation, adopted the 2026 Major Thoroughfare Plan and the 2026–27 annual road plan, approved several procurement awards, authorized a budget reimbursement to restore asset‑forfeiture funds, and allocated $29,502 in supplemental volunteer fire department funding to the McQueeney VFD (4–1).
Discussion Points
•Asset forfeiture had been used to fund staff while general‑fund positions were vacant; replenishment would allow continued program funding.
•Court discussed precedent and timing concerns with using general fund to reimburse forfeiture lines.
•Court emphasized right‑of‑way preservation and the living nature of the plan.
•Extensive multi‑precinct outreach and modifications addressed most citizen requests.
•Fire marshal discussed lithium‑ion battery hazards and outreach at county fair.
•Gallagher projected a 16% rise in baseline claims and explained tradeoffs between premium savings and increased claims liability.
•Hydraulic studies ordered for low‑water crossings and some work deferred due to contractor floods in Kerr County.
•Julie and staff reported recent trend data (3 people hit stop loss in 2025; 9 in 2026 to date).
•McQueeney said it was shorted annual funding in FY22–23 due to previous administration issues, and it still did not receive an earlier $100,000 ARPA allocation received by other VFDs.
•Mediation center highlighted 200+ pro se mediations and $20,000 in donated/discounted services.
•Options presented included splitting funds among multiple VFDs or providing full allocation to McQueeney to remedy the prior shortfall.
•Overlay miles increase to extend pavement life; reconstruction projects prioritized for roads at risk of failure.
•Reyes reported at least two documented dog bites in the neighborhood and said animal control/police have been unable to produce further enforcement.
•She requested possible county actions such as sworn affidavits, sheriff/animal control involvement, or other logistical guidance.
Decisions
•Adopt annual road plan as presented.
•Adopt the 2026 Major Thoroughfare Plan.
•Allocate full remaining supplemental funds ($29,502) to McQueeney VFD (motion passed 4–1).
•Authorize the described use of general fund savings and reimbursement.
•Both proclamations approved by voice vote.
•No change to the individual stop‑loss deductible; keep at $125,000.
Directions
•Auditor to effect budget amendment and transfer funds.
•Brooks to return with engineering/hydraulic study results and cost estimates for major reconstructions.
•County Auditor to process accounting adjustments and reimburse state forfeiture fund.
•Plan to be revisited periodically; staff/consultant to follow up on specific precinct requests.
•Staff to continue exploring non‑stop‑loss cost controls and present options at a future meeting.
The Guadalupe County Commissioner's Court met Sept. 29, 2026 and adopted a new 2026 Major Thoroughfare Plan and the 2026–27 annual road plan, kept the countystop-loss deductible at $125,000 after a Gallagher presentation, approved multiple budget amendments and contract awards, and allocated remaining volunteer-fire supplemental funds to Lake McQueeney VFD.
Discussion Points
•Brooks presented mileage totals and special projects, emphasizing overlays over rebuilds when possible.
•Commissioners asked about cost sharing and lease implications for parking-lot work on third-party property.
•Commissioners clarified that adoption preserves right-of-way options and does not trigger construction permits.
•Commissioners debated whether the supplemental line should be split among departments or used to address this specific historic shortfall.
•Commissioners discussed the unorthodox nature but accepted reimbursement to extend program continuity.
•County Attorney explained prior use of asset-forfeiture funds to pay staff and need to replenish those funds for future commitments.
•Gallagher presented modeling showing projected 16% claims growth and tradeoffs of raising individual stop-loss deductibles.
•HR noted increasing numbers of members meeting stop-loss levels in recent years.
•McQueeney representatives explained prior withheld funding due to issues under a prior administration and presented outstanding balances and loan payments.
•Staff and commissioners emphasized public outreach and that the plan is a living document.
Decisions
•Adopt annual road plan.
•Adopt the 2026 Major Thoroughfare Plan (approved).
•Allocate full remaining supplemental funding to Lake McQueeney VFD (4-1).
•Approve authorization to use general-fund and reimburse forfeiture fund.
•No change to stop-loss deductible; continue reviewing cost-saving measures.
Directions
•Apply the remaining $29,502 to McQueeney VFD via budget amendment.
•Auditor and county attorney to reconcile and document transfers.
•Auditor to process the amendment and transfer funds.
•Authorize general-fund transfers and reimburse asset forfeiture fund.
•Keep the $125,000 individual stop-loss level and pursue other cost-saving strategies.
•Proceed with scheduled overlays and low-water crossing designs.
•Publish adopted plan and integrate profiles into land-use review.
•Schedule periodic reviews as conditions change.
•Staff to present additional options at a future meeting.
•Staff to produce estimates and return with proposed interlocal agreement language for work on Geronimo VFD parking lot.
Guadalupe County Commissioners Court met Sept. 15, 2026 in Seguin to consider tax-abatement guidelines, a variance request for 550 Riley Road (denied), several budget and procurement actions (including awarding Laney Road improvements), personnel-policy deliberations (longevity pay retained at one year), and administrative items including a committed fund-balance discussion and cybersecurity audit selection.
Discussion Points
•Conflicting NJC communications about CLE; State Bar MCLE review from 2018 and 2026 noted; cost-limiting reimbursement to airfare and one meal per day.
•Cost estimate provided (~$59k full-time; ~$4.5k part-time) and additional HR/payroll workload for six-month rule.
•County counsel advised that the course was not preapproved for Texas MCLE and historically had been denied.
•Discussion of reserves needed for bonding and disaster response and ability to amend commitments later.
•Estimated minimal costs (e.g., Earth Day ~$400) and positive community turnout.
•Explanation of the five GASB 54 fund-balance categories and the difference between financial statements and budgetary commitments.
•IFB closed with eight bids; Clark Construction was lowest responsive bidder; prior performance noted.
•Opportunity for New Berlin to piggyback on alternates was discussed.
•Owner asserted informal staff guidance led him to proceed; staff and attorney emphasized state code prohibits obstructions in right-of-way; commissioners questioned precedent and county liability.
•Policy allows guardrails to ensure consistent review and spending limits.
•Some commissioners cited prior budget-workshop discussion and desire to help short-tenure employees; others emphasized policy consistency and fairness.
Decisions
•Approve addition of Veterans Annual Chili Cook-Off
•Authorized travel; reimbursement contingent on CLE proof
•Award contract to Clark Construction
•Deny the revision; keep one-year requirement
•No action taken today; return with draft resolution
•Variance denied
Directions
•Add event to authorized list; require department forms and itemized cost review.
•Authorize travel; require verification/certification of Texas CLE/MCLE prior to reimbursing county funds.
•Bring a draft committed-fund-balance resolution to the next commissioners' court before fiscal-year end.
•Proceed with contract execution; outreach to New Berlin if requested.
Special meeting of the Guadalupe County Commissioner’s Court on 2026-09-14; commissioners held an executive session to interview candidates and appointed Mike Brooks as road and bridge administrator, effective the same day.
Discussion Points
•Commissioner (S2) proposed appointing Mike Brooks and noted salary would follow the current budget.
•Court planned and held three in-person interviews in executive session for the road and bridge administrator vacancy.
•Judge (S1) confirmed interviews occurred and read the appointment motion on the record.
Decisions
•Interviews were conducted in executive session; subsequent public appointment followed.
•Mike Brooks appointed as road and bridge administrator, effective 09/14/2026.
Directions
•Appointment to take effect immediately, 09/14/2026.
•None recorded in transcript regarding interview evaluation criteria or next steps beyond appointment.
Guadalupe County Commissioners Court held a marathon budget public hearing and adopted a $2026–27 budget and a 3.493¢ tax rate after hours of public comment about public safety, employee pay, volunteer fire funding and tax abatements. Court approved a series of budget adjustments and a package of staffing additions funded partly from reserves.
Discussion Points
•Citizens repeatedly urged prioritizing public safety over land acquisition
•Committee vote counts and statutory threshold for mandatory change
•Court debated targeted staffing additions vs. long‑term fiscal risk
•Court's desire to prioritize employee COLA and fiscal caution
•Fairness and timing of published notices for all elected officials
•Fire chiefs and volunteers stressed current EMS and fire coverage gaps and equipment costs
•GCFR expansion requires coordinated multi‑year plan; ESDs and county assistance districts were discussed as options
•Importance of third‑party testing to maintain warranties and document compliance for ARPA funds
•Large unexpected property‑value decline ($~1.5B) forced choice between reserves and tax increases
•Need for ongoing construction management and contingency monitoring
•School‑resource officer needs interact with overall patrol staffing choices
•Sheriff's 90‑officer shortfall claim; sheriff requested phased staffing plan
•Short‑term supplemental funding can relieve acute equipment gaps but will not solve long‑term staffing
•Unexpected additional testing needs identified after pours and compaction checks
•Volunteer budgets strained by equipment and fuel costs
Decisions
•Adopt FY2026–27 budget as amended
•Approve 3 deputies and 3 GCFR firefighter positions as part of adopted budget
•Approved supplemental allocation and asked staff to solicit study proposals
•Approved UES change order and Broaddus owner's rep task orders
•Denied committee recommendations; set elected pay as published
•Deny salary grievance committee recommendations for three elected officials
•Set total tax rate at 3.493¢ (M&O 2.752¢)
Directions
•Add a staff attorney for district courts and targeted public‑safety positions funded partly from reserves
•Allocate modest supplemental funding; commission an external study to plan transition and funding mechanisms
•Approve immediate testing change order and owner's rep task orders; staff to return with further change‑order recommendations
•Ask sheriff to continue school‑district contract talks and report back
•Deny committee recommendations and leave published elected official compensation in place
•Fund limited immediate hires; direct staff to return with implementation plan and costs
•Remove $2,000,000 from land/building reserve to offset tax increase
Guadalupe County Commissioners Court held a lengthy public hearing on the proposed FY2026–27 budget and tax rate, with extensive public comment focused on public safety funding, volunteer fire departments, and county staffing. The court debated use of reserves, approved several budget transfers and contract actions, and paused to continue detailed budget adjustments.
Discussion Points
•Brief statements of appreciation from commissioners and staff.
•Burn ban called because drought indices (KBDI) exceed threshold; several nearby counties already enacted bans.
•Change orders resulted from contractor/inspection needs; owners‑rep retained to manage ARPA schedule and change‑order risk.
•Commissioners outlined trade‑offs: use reserves vs. raising rates; identified unexpected appraisal roll/exemption losses that created shortfalls.
•How judge’s caseload will be managed while attending training.
•Public hearing on FY2026–27 budget and previously set 5.65% tax‑rate ceiling; multiple public comments urged prioritizing public safety and employee pay.
•Court approved $275,000–$300,000 range for volunteer fire department supplemental funding in principle (discussion ongoing); several specific transfers approved during the meeting for smaller VFD grants.
•Court approved chaplain position funded from commissary 4–1; requested legal opinion and confirmation of fund sufficiency.
•No final budget adopted at the hearing; court continued discussion and later approved individual budget transfers and actions during the meeting.
•Travel approved 4–1; funds to cover airfare and one meal per day; scholarship covered tuition/hotel.
Directions
•Broaddus & Associates to begin owner's‑rep services; project manager to track testing and change orders; emergency management to publish burn ban order immediately.
•County attorney to draft written opinion on commissary funds and whether court action is required to create recurring position.
•Judge to schedule dockets and maintain filings electronically; travel to be reimbursed for flight and one daily meal only.
•Staff to model scenarios (3% COLA + $1,000 longevity base, targeted hires for public safety) and return with amended budget options.
•Staff to prepare cost estimates for 3 deputies for the sheriff's office and a three‑person increase for GCFR; staff to return with models for reserve usage and recurring cost impacts.
Guadalupe County Commissioners Court adopted the FY2026–27 budget with amendments (including adding a district court staff attorney and removing a $2,000,000 building purchase), set the 2026 tax rates, appointed an interim HR director, and took no action on a subdivision variance request.
Discussion Points
•Applicant requested deferral of variance; Commissioner Ogg asked staff to place it on the Sept. 15 agenda.
•Clarified that the budget notice may show a 6.2% figure even if internal calculation is 5.65% because of state notice rules.
•Court backlog and appellate risk tied to lack of staff attorney; potential jail competency-restoration program with Bluebonnets.
•Court updated the formal order to reflect the M&O change to 0.2752 and a total 0.3493 tax rate.
•Fiscal trade-offs between using reserves (~$2.15M) and raising tax ceiling (options 5.65% vs 4%).
•Retirement of prior HR director; job remains posted; interim appointment recommended while hiring continues.
•Spreadsheet shows salary and benefits estimates for the proposed position.
•Summary sheet adds positions, longevity, certification pay for constables and juvenile funding; staff attorney added; building purchase removed.
Decisions
•Adopt FY2026–27 budget as amended; remove $2M building purchase; add district court staff attorney.
•Appoint Lois Elle interim HR director at $85,000 per year.
•No action taken on the variance today.
•Set M&O 0.2752, lateral road 0.0529, debt service 0.0212; adopt tax-rate order (0.3493); ratify property tax increase per Local Government Code §111.008(c).
•Staff attorney position included in adopted budget.
Directions
•Add staff attorney to adopted budget; staff to begin hiring process and update budget documents.
•Post vacancy and continue recruitment; interim Lois Elle to assume HR director duties immediately.
•Staff to add variance item to September 15 agenda.
•Staff to update budget documents and remove capital project list item; initiate hiring process for staff attorney.
•Staff to update the order and publish required notices and filings.
A newly formed Guadalupe County salary grievance committee held its first hearing on Aug. 31, 2026, taking evidence and making recommendations on three elected-official pay requests amid a tight county budget and recent appraisal exemptions that reduced available revenue.
Discussion Points
•Commissioners explained votes to cap proposed tax rate and decline certain elected-official pay requests.
•Committee adopted rules and proceeded through presentations, Q&A, public comment, deliberation and roll-call votes.
•Committee clarified it lacks authority to prevent elected officials from speaking at Commissioners Court.
•Committee questioned mileage history, justification for auto allowance and whether temporary election duties should affect pay.
•Judge described appraisal exemptions and revenue loss; commissioners cited 1.5 billion in exemptions affecting budget.
•Judge explained county revenue shortfall due to appraisal exemptions and statutory voting thresholds for committee recommendations.
•Keel argued for objective compensation criteria and noted long service and records duties.
•Springer said his grievance was not the COLA amount but that other elected officials had interjected into his budget request.
•Staff directed to prepare written recommendation forms and collect signatures.
•Terry said elected officials were excluded from the COLA without explanation.
Decisions
•Budget officer recommended no elected-official raises given revenue constraints; Commissioners Court set proposed tax-rate actions to consider.
•Committee recommended raising John Terry's compensation to $97,972 (6–2).
•Compromise to raise Keel’s total compensation to $106,450 (passed 7–1).
•Keep constable salary at current level ($92,008.55).
•Rules adopted; process steps for transmitting recommendations clarified.
Directions
•Collect signatures on recommendation forms and forward to Commissioners Court.
•Commissioners Court to consider recommended changes at its scheduled meeting; committee recommendations to be transmitted.
•Prepare and sign recommendation forms to forward to Commissioners Court.
•Prepare signed recommendation for Commissioners Court reflecting the compromise figure.
•Staff to prepare and file written recommendations with Commissioners Court.
Guadalupe County Commissioners Court met Aug. 18, 2026. The court heard a citizen report from the county chief appraiser about retroactive recalculation of over-65/disabled freeze ceilings, received a city of Seguin update on the Cordova Road project, debated and recorded the proposed FY2027 budget (including a lengthy presentation from the sheriff), handled multiple consent and budget amendment items, considered an excavation permit tied to a private lane, and held executive session items before adjourning.
Discussion Points
•City described funding timeline (AMPO award, advanced funding agreement) and timeline: design, environmental clearance (Sept. 2025), right‑of‑way acquisitions.
•Commissioner Gurman raised a private‑lane litigation and argued the court lacked authority to approve an excavation on private Sunshine Lane.
•Commissioners debated fairness and precedent for compensating elected officials who assume extra duties.
•Commissioners raised concerns about recurring costs funded from reserves and next‑year tax impacts.
•County Clerk described significant workload and reconstruction of nine past elections (approx. $175,000 in estimated billings).
•County counsel said the excavation permit applies only to county rights of way; Sunshine Lane is not county maintained.
•Engineer stated the work would be within a GV SUD easement and be a boring operation with no damage to road.
•Legal counsel noted statutes place election duties with clerk when an election administrator role is vacant; challenges would require showing adverse impact on election outcome.
•Sheriff and staff presented an alternative reallocation of $3M of fund balance to cover positions and longevity.
•Staff explained equipment and vehicle replacement schedules and one‑time vs recurring delineations.
•Utility relocations and TxDOT letting remain dependencies.
Decisions
•Court approved the county right‑of‑way permits and excluded the Sunshine Lane crossing.
•Court voted to record the proposed FY2027 budget (4–1).
•Motion to award $35,000 stipend defeated 2–3.
•No county action taken; update provided for partnership oversight.
Directions
•Approve permits for county rights‑of‑way items as listed.
•City and county staff to continue coordination with TxDOT and finalize utility agreements before letting.
•Clerk to continue reconstructing billing and report progress to court.
•If majority requests, schedule additional budget workshops before Sept. 1.
•Remove Sunshine Lane crossing from excavation permit approvals; applicants should resolve private easement rights outside county permitting.
•Staff to explore vendor programming and recruitment for EA/coordinator roles.
•Staff to prepare details for fund balance reallocation options and potential workshops.
Guadalupe County commissioners met in workshop Aug. 11, 2026 to continue deliberations on the FY2026–27 budget, tentatively adopting a 3% COLA for non-elected county employees while removing a proposed $2,000 longevity bonus for elected officials; they also discussed fire-service contracts, volunteer fire department funding and next steps ahead of the Sept. 1 budget adoption deadline.
Discussion Points
•Cibolo requested additional funding (~$40,000) to expand coverage area from 800 to 16,000 parcels; city representatives highlighted investments in stations and apparatus.
•Commissioners asked for stricter standards, equipment standardization, and clearer contract terms to ensure accountability.
•Contract language allows annual requests; the current contract ends this year and requires court action to approve any increase.
•Cost estimate for a Marion Building tax clerk (~$62,322 compensation/benefits).
•Court will request department heads submit prioritized lists of outstanding requests so commissioners can evaluate allocations in smaller working sessions.
•Geronimo and York Creek VFDs did not respond to budget information requests; commissioners questioned continuing allocations.
•Possible short-term/part-time/shared staffing options if the court declines a full-time hire now.
•Staff estimated the $2,000 elected-official longevity package at roughly $1.341 million; a 3% COLA would cost an estimated additional $200k–$300k compared with the longevity package (figures described as approximate).
•Staff proposed moving $23,400 from a shirts line and adding $15,827 to reach $201,534 for the initial year of expanded coverage.
•Staff said some budget numbers are placeholders and that audits/financial statements are received for VFDs in some form; behind-the-scenes negotiations are in progress.
•Whether to give a one-time $2,000 longevity bonus or a 3% across-the-board COLA for non-elected employees; potential eligibility windows for longevity (6 months vs 1 year vs 3 years).
Decisions
•Consensus direction to pursue a 3% COLA for non-elected county employees and remove the additional $2,000 longevity bump for elected officials (to be reflected in the proposed budget).
•Court signaled consensus to add the specified funds to the Cibolo allocation in the proposed budget (to be reflected in filed proposal).
•No final funding decision; position retained for further review.
•No immediate contract terminations; court directed staff to return with materials for further action.
Directions
•Consider setting procurement and equipment standards to standardize air packs and other PPE across county-supported departments.
•Include 3% COLA for non-elected employees in the proposed budget; remove the $2,000 longevity bump for elected officials from the proposed budget worksheet.
•Include the position and cost estimate in department-level follow-up meetings for prioritization.
•Staff to compile detailed VFD financial and compliance information and return to court with options including contract renegotiation or separation.
•Staff to prepare updated proposed budget for filing and to support smaller-group meetings with department heads before Sept. 1.
•Staff to update the proposed budget to reflect the Cibolo contract increase; court will review updated worksheets.
Guadalupe County Commissioners conducted a regular session on Aug. 11, 2026, approving contracts, election schedules and a subdivision exception, and setting a proposed tax-rate ceiling after an extended budget discussion. Several budget amendments and a supplemental funding request for Sandhills VFD were also approved.
Discussion Points
•City request to install overhead door and exhaust fan to allow vehicles inside county facility
•Commissioners emphasized safety and frugality in vendor selection
•Concerns about parking, staff safety and restoration at lease end
•Concerns about setting a precedent and emergency access were raised
•Cost estimates for COLA vs. longevity; 3% COLA ≈ $1.6M (general fund)
•County clerk managing elections operations during vacancies
•Lease runs to 2033; provision 13 requires written consent to alter facility; termination requires nine months’ written notice if city does not agree
•Lot 5 currently 3.17 acres; proposal divides into two ~1.5-acre lots with ~170–172 ft frontage
•No local match required; auditor will set up budget lines
•Potential use of debt/notes to fund capital projects instead of raising current taxes
•Precincts 1 and 4 applied and were approved to work with DHS/ICE; sheriff's office already on the federal site
•Request matched vendor quote; original agenda amount slightly higher
•Sandhills provided quotes and documentation for electrical repairs
•Sewer service is available so septic thresholds tied to one-acre minimum are not applicable
•Three certification options exist; these precincts selected one option that allows startup funds
•TSTC/Alamo College northern-area site pending confirmation due to space/timing constraints
•Whether to raise taxes vs. reallocate capital project funds (~$3M)
Decisions
•Agreements ratified; budget setup directed
•Approved supplemental funding ($10,994.61) and related budget amendment (4–1)
•Early voting schedule approved; polling locations list approved with one site amended
•Exception approved 4–1
•No action taken; matter will return after city meeting
•Proposed tax-rate ceiling set 0.3549 (approved 3–2)
Directions
•Approve vendor-quote payment and process budget amendment transfer
•Auditor to record amendment and process payment
•Commissioner Woolverton to meet with City of Schertz and staff to draft amendment or discuss termination options
•Publish required election notices; finalize any pending site confirmations
•Ratify forms so constables can receive funds and auditor to set up budget accounting
•Set proposed tax-rate ceiling at 0.3549; publish required notices; continue budget workshop work
•Staff to process driveway permits and coordinate with road department if approved
Judge opened an Aug. 10 Guadalupe County Commissioners Court budget workshop focused on an unexpected revenue shortfall caused by recalculated appraisal rolls and state exemptions; officials discussed tax-rate options including a proposed 15% increase, tradeoffs between COLA vs. one-time longevity bonuses, and which capital projects to defer or fund by notes.
Discussion Points
•4% COLA estimated at ~$2.145M in general fund; longevity one‑time payments estimated lower but non‑recurring.
•Consideration of financing (tax notes/debt) vs. pay‑as‑you‑go.
•Court agreed to set a proposed tax‑rate ceiling at the next day's record vote and continue workshops to determine allocations.
•Court must decide whether to set a proposed ceiling at next day's record vote.
•Described reconciliation steps with appraisal district and ongoing monitoring.
•Elected officials proposed 15% increase to fund a 3% COLA and cover department requests.
•Equity tradeoffs: percentage COLA favors higher wages; flat payments aid lower‑paid staff.
•Explained freeze/refreeze and exemptions as main drivers of reduced taxable value.
•List of capital projects in fund balance: building/land purchase, transportation matches, $8.75M ARPA EOC warehouse, security upgrades and radio life‑cycle replacements.
•Possible use of fund balance and which capital projects to defer were discussed.
•Proposed hybrid approaches and eligibility windows (e.g., 6 months).
•Staff and elected officials reviewed causes of the revenue shortfall (appraisal roll recalc, state exemptions) and modeled tax‑rate options.
•They pledged to publicly slash ~66.7% of new requests and contribute some asset‑forfeiture funds.
•Use of grants for flood warning systems.
Decisions
•No binding decision — proposal is advisory until court sets a proposed rate.
•No final tax‑rate adopted in this workshop; planned record vote tomorrow.
Directions
•Court will set a proposed tax rate at the next day's meeting; staff to provide updated revenue tables and itemized departmental cuts for follow‑up workshops.
•If court adopts a higher ceiling tomorrow, coalition will present detailed departmental cuts and prioritization for allocations.
•Staff to include COLA or longevity cost lines in allocation models for next meeting.
•Staff to prepare amortization schedules for financing options and grant application status for next meeting.
•Tax office will run monthly freeze/refreeze checks with the appraisal district next year; staff will provide updated reports earlier in the budget cycle.
Guadalupe County Commissioners Court on Aug. 4, 2026 heard public comment urging continued support for volunteer firefighters, voted to end negotiations on a planned animal-control facility, approved a jail feasibility study contract, authorized several budget and procurement items, and reviewed a parking-enforcement proposal with no action taken.
Discussion Points
•Anticipated high capital costs for major projects
•Appeal to the court to maintain resources for volunteer departments
•Centralized enforcement under the sheriff's office and possible keycard-access on upper levels
•Concerns about reserved spaces, covered parking and emergency access
•Consistency and precedent for transferring county surplus vehicles to volunteer departments
•Contract termination cost estimate (~$8,500) vs. remaining contract obligations (~$57,000)
•Extent of camera vandalism and vendor refusal to replace damaged cameras
•Legal dispute over recoupment of previously waived fees
•Need for signage to meet Occupations Code requirements before towing
•Need to plan for future expansion and connectivity
•Parvo outbreak implications for siting and quarantine design (soil contamination, vaccination period)
•Personal account of emergency response and volunteers' sacrifices
•Possibility of partnering with New Braunfels or Guadalupe Humane Society vs. county-run shelter
•Range of options to evaluate (renovation vs. new consolidated justice center)
•Short-term supplemental funding to volunteers from a $500,000 allocation
•Whether to pursue a $3,000,000 new facility or a smaller remodel within the $1,000,000 capital allocation
•Whether to pursue ESDs or county-assisted tax districts for more sustainable funding
Decisions
•Approved $26,850 for McQueeney VFD; approved transfer of Tahoe to Lake Dunlap VFD for $1
•Contract awarded to HOK; study to proceed.
•Court granted authorization to terminate Flock services agreement if unresolved through negotiation
•No authorization granted at this meeting; no enforcement actions implemented beyond current posted rules
•Terminate negotiations with McElroy & Falls (RFQ 26-01); no construction project to proceed under current negotiations.
Directions
•Authorize sheriff to continue negotiations and to terminate the contract if negotiations fail
•Finance to finalize documentation and move allocated funds into department line items; sheriff's office to coordinate vehicle transfer paperwork
•HOK to proceed under the negotiated agreement; jurisdiction to appoint committee members to oversee study
•Purchasing to cease negotiations with McElroy & Falls per motion; architect and procurement contracts may be revisited separately if court directs
•Sheriff to email presentation slides and staff to return with more specifics on signage, costs and exemptions
Guadalupe County Commissioners Court held an unscheduled budget workshop on Aug. 4, 2026 to review a recommended FY2027 budget after a certified appraisal roll and state exemption changes produced a large revenue shortfall; commissioners discussed tax-rate options, use of fund balance, employee pay options, and several departmental and partner funding requests.
Discussion Points
•Appraisal-roll recalculation reduced property-tax revenue by ~$1.5M–$1.6M.
