Linda Douglass

The budget includes a total tax rate and investments in public safety, county infrastructure, personnel, and emergency response capabilities. It funds new full-time positions in public safety, infrastructure, the judicial system, general government, and health and social services. It includes a cost of living adjustment for eligible employees and a structured grade/step system for law enforcement and fire personnel. Public Safety receives the largest funding increase, including funding for a countywide body camera and in-car video system. Capital investments are planned for infrastructure improvements, facility enhancements, and technology upgrades. The General Fund remains strong, and the County maintains a low debt profile.

The Guadalupe County Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 includes a proposed tax rate of $0.3304, which is a 4.0% increase over the No New Revenue Rate. This increase is intended to fund investments in public safety, county infrastructure, personnel, and emergency response capabilities. The budget includes funding for 33 new full-time positions, a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for eligible employees, and a structured grade/step system for Law Enforcement and Fire personnel. Capital investments of over $32 million are planned for infrastructure improvements, facility enhancements, and technology upgrades. The General Fund remains strong with an estimated unassigned fund balance of $45.6 million at the end of FY24.

The Guadalupe County Commissioners Court approved the creation and changes for voting precinct boundary lines. Precincts 208 and 415 have exceeded the maximum number of registered voters. The boundary line changes for Precinct 208 and the boundary lines for the new Precinct 233 are shown in Attachment A. The boundary line changes for Precinct 415, and boundary lines for the new Precinct 402 are shown in Attachment B. Voters living in the above precincts shall receive notification of these precinct changes.

The resolution approves the Guadalupe County Guidelines and Criteria for Tax Abatements in Reinvestment Zones. It emphasizes the importance of job creation and investment to benefit the area economy, strengthen the real estate market, and generate tax revenue. The guidelines aim to attract industries that bring new wealth to the community while protecting the environment and ensuring tax incentives do not adversely affect existing companies. The document also outlines definitions, authorized facilities, application processes, and compliance reporting for tax abatements.