Comal County Commissioners spent more than two hours receiving more than $116.9 million in 2022 budget requests and listings of priorities from department heads Thursday.
Most requested additional computers and new vehicles, both now waning in availability due to the worldwide computer chip shortage attributed to COVID-19. Others, by county justices of the peace and constables, sought more personnel to handle more duties resulting from a county with explosive growth.
âI thought it went very smoothly,â County Judge Sherman Krause said. âEveryone had an opportunity for input and to explain the requests â especially those for new personnel, reclassifications (of existing county positions), new equipment and new vehicles.Â
Comal County Commissioners will meet twice on Thursday, first taking care of routine matters before another session focusing on 2022 budget requests.
The budget process began in May and usually concludes by the end of August. Budget request packets were sent to department heads May 14, returned to county Auditor Jessie Rahe in mid-June and presented to commissioners two weeks ago.
âWeâre working on it right now,â County Judge Sherman Krause said last week. âItâs too early say anything about the numbers at this point.â
The 2021 budget, totaling $107.988 million, went into effect Jan. 1. It is funded by the 2020 combined tax rate of 35.8515 cents per $100 assessed property valuation, with portions designated for county general operations, jury, indigent health, debt service, and road and flood control funds.Â