Public invited to review Guadalupe County proposed budget
(Seguin) – Guadalupe County leaders are not only saying that they are fiscally responsible. They are also showing taxpayers the evidence.
This budget process, Guadalupe County Judge Kyle Kutscher has extended his commitment of maintaining fiscal responsibility by ensuring that all expenditures benefit the residents of Guadalupe County.
In doing so, Kutscher has taken it upon himself to draft a letter directly to taxpayers.
In that letter, he explains how the county’s growth has led to significant development, increased prosperity, and has added value, affecting the overall tax rate.
“It is great to report that Guadalupe County remains financially strong because of conservative decision-making and a well-planned, consistent approach to budgeting taxpayer dollars. The county has a strong fund balance, low debt and a conservative tax rate that reflects the commissioner’s court’s responsibility to the public,” said Kutscher.
The process of creating a budget has involved several months of input from different departments as well as public budget workshops. Earlier this month, a proposed budget for the 2025 fiscal year was presented to the commissioner’s court during an open public meeting.
In his notice to residents, Kutscher says the proposed budget emphasizes its focus on meeting the needs of growth while ensuring efficient and high-quality services.
“The proposed tax rate is $.3167 per hundred-dollar valuation, which is lower than the current tax rate of $.3231 and above the no-new revenue tax rate of $.3105 per hundred-dollar valuation. The revenue generated by the proposed tax rate is adequate to meet the current proposed budget,” states Kutscher.
He further outlines how growth continues to shape the services and buildings for a more enhanced operation.
“Our capital improvement plan for the fiscal year 2025 includes facility improvements for the Elections Office, Schertz Annex, Justice of the Peace and Constable, Precinct 4 in Marion, and the Animal Control Division. American Rescue Plan funds will help with the Emergency Operations Center / Warehouse and our first Emergency Response Center,” said Kutscher.
The recommended budget also allows provisions for 19 new personnel and focuses on areas critical to the county’s growth and infrastructure needs. With population growth, Kutscher says plans are made to enhance development services to meet the ongoing infrastructure demands and manage growth effectively.
While maintaining its current operation, Kutscher says the budget also takes into account the future of this growing community.
“Future capital projects are always a big part of discussions, with plans to include secure file storage for historical documents and a major construction and expansion project for the needed jail capacity. Additional funds for road construction, flood and drainage study, and a master plan of 160 plus acres are included to assist in prioritizing and completing future project needs,” said Kutscher.
Kutscher reminds taxpayers of the court’s desire to remain transparent while conducting county business.
“I invite you to review the proposed budget; it supports the county’s growth, addresses current needs, and prepares for future challenges with a focus on capital projects, personnel, and the strategic use of federal funds, all to position the county for sustainable development,” said Kutscher.
The proposed budget is available for public review on the Guadalupe County website available at www.co.Guadalupe.tx.us. A public hearing and adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget is scheduled for 10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, at 10 a.m. The hearing will be part of the regularly scheduled commissioner’s court meeting held at the Guadalupe County Courthouse.
Click here for 2025 budget: https://www.co.guadalupe.tx.us/auditor/pdfs/budget/2025/fy25_proposed_budget.pdf