SAN ANTONIO – Exciting news for Bexar County as the Commissioners Court unanimously voted to adopt a $2.8 billion budget for fiscal year 2024-2025. This budget reflects a commitment to public safety, community policing, and basic services to benefit the county as a whole.
One of the key highlights of the budget is the decision to maintain the property tax rate at its current level, making it the 30th consecutive year with no increases. This commitment to fiscal responsibility while still supporting essential services is commendable.
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office is set to receive a significant boost from the budget, including the addition of 41 new uniformed positions. Six of these positions will be dedicated to the Sheriff’s Top Offender Program (STOP), part of a larger Public Safety Action Plan to address crime in the county effectively.
Additionally, each precinct constable will see an increase in personnel, with new deputy constable positions and a deputy captain position being added to enhance enforcement efforts. This expansion includes a salary increase of 6% for all elected constables.
The budget also allocates funds for new district courts and county courts-at-law, pending legislative approval. Efforts to reduce employee turnover in Public Safety Emergency Dispatch Service are also supported, with salary raises and differential pay incentives.
Exciting developments in the budget include the funding of a new tax assessor-collector satellite office and substantial investments in capital improvement projects. This includes funding for road projects, flood control initiatives, and a comprehensive infrastructure program.
Lastly, the budget includes a 3% salary increase for all non-uniform employees, reflecting a commitment to fair compensation across the board.
County Judge Peter Sakai expressed pride in the budget, stating, “This is a budget we can be proud of. We focused on public safety, and this budget reflects our commitment to one of my top priorities.”
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