The Waller County Commissioners Court convened on May 14, 2025, to discuss various pressing issues, primarily focusing on local sales tax collection and infrastructure funding. The meeting highlighted the county's inability to collect sales tax directly, which has led to concerns about revenue being sent to Austin instead of being utilized locally for infrastructure improvements.

The discussion began with a commissioner expressing frustration over the current sales tax structure, emphasizing the need for a local mechanism to retain funds for infrastructure projects. The idea of establishing County Assistance Districts (CADs) was proposed as a solution to keep sales tax revenue within the county. The commissioners debated whether to implement these districts on a countywide basis or by individual precincts, weighing the benefits of localized control against the potential for broader funding.

A significant point raised was the necessity for increased public outreach and education regarding the proposed sales tax measures. Past attempts to pass similar initiatives had failed due to a lack of understanding among voters, who often reacted negatively to the word "tax" without grasping the potential benefits for local infrastructure and services.

The court also discussed the implications of rapid population growth in Waller County, which has created substantial demands on infrastructure, particularly roads. The commissioners noted that existing mobility bonds had identified over 50 projects with a total cost exceeding one billion dollars, highlighting the urgent need for additional funding sources.

In addition to sales tax discussions, the meeting included updates on ongoing construction projects, including modular buildings for the district clerk and district attorney's offices, which are expected to be operational by mid-June. The court approved payments for these projects, indicating progress in addressing space constraints within county facilities.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for further discussions and planning to ensure that any proposed sales tax measures are effectively communicated to the public before being placed on the ballot in August. The commissioners recognized the importance of retaining local sales tax revenue to support essential services and infrastructure as the county continues to grow.