Bexar County adopts annual budget for fiscal year 2024–25
SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — The Bexar County Commissioner’s Court is adopting a $2.8 billion dollar budget aimed primarily at public safety and basic services.
In a Tuesday release, the county says the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 balanced budget maintains the current tax rate of $0.299999, making this the 30th consecutive year in which Bexar County either lowers or maintains the tax rate for property owners. Bexar County holds triple-A ratings from all three bond rating agencies, Standard & Poors, Moody’s Ratings and Fitch. Higher bond ratings are indicative of a robust local economy and reflect the strong and sound financial management practices of the Commissioners Court.
Sheriff’s Office Gains and New Top Offender Program
The FY 24-25 Adopted Budget builds on last year’s public safety investment by adding 41 new uniformed positions in the Sheriff’s Office. Six of the Sheriff’s Office new law enforcement positions are assigned to the newly created Sheriff’s Top Offender Program (STOP) as part of the Public Safety Action Plan aimed to reduce the number of repeat violent offenders responsible for a disproportionate amount of crime in Bexar County. Also approved is one Crime Intelligence Analyst position, which will leverage data to analyze crime trends and offender behavior.
Constables and Community Policing
Under the FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget, each of the four Precinct Constables will be increasing their forces by3 additional Deputy Constable positions and a newly created Deputy Captain position. The three additional deputies will provide traffic enforcement and address weight enforcement of commercial vehicles. All four of the elected Constables will see a 6% salary increaseas approved by the salary grievance committee.
Expansion of the County’s Judicial System
Bexar County District Courts and County Courts-at-Law, respectively, are requesting two additional courts for a combined total of four additional courts in the upcoming 89th Texas legislative session. This request is based on the Texas Office of Court Administration (OCA) assessment on the number of courts needed to address caseloads and keep the justice system running efficiently. The adopted budget assumes staffing and operating costs in the amount of $575,000 to fully operate the four courts beginning September 1, 2025.
Public Safety Emergency Dispatch
Public Safety Emergency Dispatch Service is an area that continues to struggle with turnover in Bexar County. To meet this challenge for both the Sheriff’s and Fire Marshal’s Offices, the county came up with raises for entry level positions to $45,324 from $38,148, including differential pay from $2,400 to $4,200 annually for employees who work the evening and night shifts. Supervisory roles will also see an increase to $62,892 from $57,696.
Tax Assessor Collector Opens a New Satellite Office
The Tax Assessor Collector’s Office will add 17 new staff positions for the new Precinct 4 satellite office to be located on Rocket Ln. The satellite office will open in early 2025 and will increase accessibility to residents by providing property tax collection services, motor vehicle registration, title transfers, and alcoholic beverage permits.
Capital Improvements Prioritized
Requests for capital improvement projects were prioritized and funded based on health, safety, asset preservation, and service or asset enhancement. The FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget includes $95 million in new Capital Projects. These include $45 million for road projects, as well as $6.8 million in proposed funding for two existing flood control projects. The FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget continues the 10-year, $620 million Infrastructure Program to include funding for creeks and trails.
Bexar County Employees
Continuing its investment in the most valued asset, the FY24-25 Adopted Budget includes a 3% salary increase for all non-uniform employees. This increase is intended to help employees keep pace with inflation and rising living costs, while also recognizing their continued dedication and contributions.