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New county budget keeps tax rate flat, funds capital projects

By: County Judge Craig Doyal
| Published 07/29/2015

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas - Thanks to efforts to control spending, Montgomery County Judge Craig Doyal has announced that county commissioners have put together a proposed budget that keeps the tax rate flat while setting aside $13 million to fund capital projects without having to rely on new debt.

The tax rate will remain at .4767 cents per $100 property valuation, according to the current proposed expenditure budget of roughly $332.2 million, Judge Doyal said Wednesday.

County Judge Craig Doyal said the budget is a significant achievement and reflects efforts to be as conservative as possible in addressing spending needs related to the county's rapid growth.

"Instead of issuing debt, we can use that capital expenditure account and in future budgets continue to build it for projects we will need going forward. We've heard criticism that we need to do more planning and issue less debt; if we are going to plan for projects and avoid debt, we need to budget for those projects too," Judge Doyal said.

"Our county is growing rapidly, placing more demands on county government for services; meanwhile, our rapid growth also pushes property values higher. This budget reflects our desire to keep the burden on taxpayers as low as possible while taking care of our essential needs and planning for the future."

County Commissioner Mike Meador said it is the first time in his memory that the county was able to set aside future funding for capital projects.

In addition to identifying funds for capital projects, the proposed budget:


Increased law enforcement funding for the Sheriff's Department by $4.2 million (which includes a carryover from the current budget of $2.5 million)

Adjusted the portion of the county tax rate devoted to the road and bridge fund to add an additional $4 million for road funding and maintenance.

Increased funding for debt service fund balance by $4 million, allowing the county to prepare to retire its remaining road bond debt as the state's pass through debt program expires in coming years.

Increased funding for IT projects to promote greater productivity for county staff.

Increased county personnel by just 16 people - or less than 1 percent of the county's overall number of employees; total cost of the new personnel is $1.2 million. Of the 16, nine are dedicated to law enforcement and criminal prosecution.

Included cost of living raises of 3 percent for county employees

The county worked to set aside money for capital planning while restraining the growth in other areas of the budget, Judge Doyal said. For example, the portion of the county budget devoted to operations increased just 5.9 percent, in line with inflation and population growth.

"I think we've set the groundwork to prepare for our future success. Montgomery County will continue to grow and its' our duty to prepare for that growth," Judge Doyal said.

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