[{"_1":2,"_106":-5,"_107":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,96],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6789006,"mediaKeyId","5900464-2cdd45af920781c67dabcf23a4593ba2","parentId",5900464,"title","Jim Wells County adopts 2026 budget and sets 2025 tax rate at 0.767802","audioSeconds",677,"startMs",6933025,"endMs",7610845,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5900464-2cdd45af920781c67dabcf23a4593ba2&start=6933&end=7610","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5900464-2cdd45af920781c67dabcf23a4593ba2/thumbnail_6933025.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6789006/Jim-Wells-County/Texas/Jim-Wells-County-adopts-2026-budget-and-sets-2025-tax-rate-at-0767802","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6789006-ff5b7ed12d6dc5e88804c36fd572839f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775173504&Signature=JHcyQCpVT7kwF8NuSngYiqrJxPTahPq3C5gvDGk9IqXcTzY6R19312Qqi9OygI70eS3djv5u3XAB40E24QIFRRUNfAzWij0ZWt4atBr0H9y0isJM3jKXyeH-CIey2~y7baxFOqozb2vF1OoV8NQYCHPWWzdNm7oAGVOYdsFKFnkCxrBBSOeyxEhKQQRQLM7tQ8tHbl3Qo-a--jINErd4I8MftV4RRtJkOm0B9~gYhdnULl~hV-87Jkqs7nGRrcgsxV5WwFHA3OodcmUiA2OklzYgKcJV5iQC2coxnaVjyZzzwdguhftLNKAzJqeTmJBKgJGzMHo-gSA5B-t9pEUZxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Jim Wells County Commissioners Court, Texas","date","2025-09-27T03:51:18Z","article","Jim Wells County Commissioners Court adopted the county\u0004s 2026 budget and set the 2025 property tax rate during a special meeting on Sept. 26, 2025.

County Judge Pete Trevino presented the budget, saying it was prepared after multiple workshops and amendments and was built on a proposed tax rate of 0.767802. \"With that revenue and transfer, that's $23,352,324. And our expenses is $24,265,633.27,\" Trevino said, adding that at that rate the county faced \"a negative budget by $913,309.27.\" The court then voted to adopt the budget by recorded vote.

The court also set the 2025 tax rate at 0.767802 per $100 of valuation in a separate recorded vote, with commissioners reading and adopting the formal order allocating the rate across funds for maintenance and operation, debt service and special road funds. The judge read the order into the record and the vote was unanimous.

Officials said the budget package reflects a 5% increase adopted during workshops to address salary and statutory supplements and incorporated departmental requests including jail‑related costs. County staff told commissioners they had been conservative on sales tax estimates and that some departments were operating near baseline budgets.

The judge and commissioners emphasized fiscal caution while noting steps to reach a balanced budget: continuing to monitor departmental spending, pursuing grant opportunities and seeking economic development that could expand the tax base. \"We're very passionate in what we do,\" Trevino said, urging continued collaboration among county leaders.

Next steps include finalizing budget documents for signature and continuing to monitor revenue performance during the fiscal year. The court indicated it will follow up on implementation and any midyear adjustments if needed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","JWC Commissioners Court Meeting - September 26th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Jim Wells County Commissioners Court adopted the county\u0004s 2026 budget and set the 2025 property tax rate at 0.767802 per $100 valuation after recorded, unanimous votes. Officials said the budget, built on that tax rate, shows a general fund shortfall of $913,309.27 that the court intends to address through ongoing fiscal steps.","taxTitle","Jim Wells County, Texas","taxId",69536,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6788992,"Votes at a glance: Jim Wells County Commissioners Court, Sept. 26, 2025",0,6401970,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5900464-2cdd45af920781c67dabcf23a4593ba2&start=6401&end=6401","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5900464-2cdd45af920781c67dabcf23a4593ba2/thumbnail_6401970.jpg","/articles/6788992/Jim-Wells-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Jim-Wells-County-Commissioners-Court-Sept-26-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6788992-f7665b4ff4de5cf01dc9368bca869e30/orig.mp4?Expires=1775173504&Signature=eA2cWVGEnnBFSxELK7qOGZ9~ep5P5nMOg9ZyfWidabGbJDZF6EMwBZJs8QrHo3HS2wFfCE~npa5tC1mQRkW194LIrf7LM6MjwotWPVbfKr7NrgAdGcocJ3nonH5war7e-mz3~Fkzc8Tj7G4LlRQWjbRNwPcNB~5H-hkMwxIuqvlCxz5JMABPMA2YnOmzJxU6ivIsMVr6AlUrB4uhxwx6fsgTVKrTgse4YLZ-kkgiWk0I3~zL8Msrw44GxMpTjjFKDVBz1o8hVsSQdyELFuVxf~KbVc3ZfsaUWVwuL1ok9StVNtWDx91AwHuQkA6g6~RAMfOwcxRgpfWhWWkdNkeTsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Jim Wells County Commissioners Court completed a series of votes on Sept. 26, 2025. Key outcomes included:

- Proclamation: The court adopted a proclamation designating October 2025 as National 4‑H Week in Texas (motion carried by voice vote). Rogelio Mercado and youth leaders from the county 4‑H council presented the proclamation.

- Financing: The court approved a resolution to pursue financing through Government Capital for the purchase of two refuse trucks to replace aging equipment (motion carried).

- Resolution: The court adopted a resolution declaring Sept. 10 as Free Speech and Civil Discourse Day in Jim Wells County (presenter Mackenzie Flick; motion carried by voice vote).

- Grant certifications: Auditor certified receipt of $50,000 from the Ed Rochelle Foundation for the sheriff's department (for motor vehicles) and $105,000 capital lease loan proceeds to Road & Bridge Precinct 1; both certifications and the associated budget amendments were approved by vote.

- Donations and permits: Auditor certified $1,400 in donations to the sheriff's department (approved), and the court approved temporary alcohol sales for two vendors at the county fair, subject to TABC requirements.

- Ambulance grant application (HB 3000): Discussion about hiring Border Affairs LLC to prepare a rural ambulance service grant application led to requests for additional details on contractor performance and long‑term operating costs; the court tabled the resolution and asked staff to gather further information.

- Routine: The court approved payroll and bills (with specified fund exceptions), accepted the county treasurer's and auditor's monthly reports, and adjourned.

Most routine items were approved by voice vote; budget and tax items were adopted by recorded, unanimous vote. Where the record shows detailed tallies, the court read votes into the record and certified unanimous passage.","A summary of outcomes from the Sept. 26 commissioners court: proclamations, grant certifications, equipment finance, event permits and routine reports were approved; the ambulance grant application was tabled and the Vanguard voting system purchase was tabled for further review.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":78,"_43":89,"_45":89,"_47":90,"_49":91,"_51":92,"_53":93,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":94,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":95,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6788997,"Jim Wells County authorizes bids to add 12 RV hookups at fairgrounds amid debate over upgrades",5472370,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5900464-2cdd45af920781c67dabcf23a4593ba2&start=5472&end=5472","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5900464-2cdd45af920781c67dabcf23a4593ba2/thumbnail_5472370.jpg","/articles/6788997/Jim-Wells-County/Texas/Jim-Wells-County-authorizes-bids-to-add-12-RV-hookups-at-fairgrounds-amid-debate-over-upgrades","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6788997-3a38c211c608a5830bb6795670eb6f1b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775173504&Signature=jXKoGRND9VSGuBxEk8Lv6WaF8FV1zM2mC3yNbzItHQBZUNsrJRY61TMxWqFIbSryDG2qDjZhcxIdmAYJiRV8q6jHTx0RWS9y3PUftKA0F~-e1z61XlthI8cvz~9G-GV1yzrmc0maQTMvl32aYY-rBjUHjW1LZjhbX0y6qc6-vWtmtn23e2qkopGMJiq3uZpFk7aqfywjs-Bnk023M5Uu6Pn6rxo3YfMkbg1sLbI6Kpb5Jlp2a4Cnfi9LyTz6Ajsgr5vh29NMZfTVkGyQmBmySK7VNF02dkKV6Tpw0JvSNMYhSeYE2a6nToD3CR4wlsNtNBeuLYIcvm~9wCwYvAVxuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jim Wells County Commissioners Court authorized staff to go out for bids to add 12 new RV hookups at the county fairgrounds after an extended discussion about costs, timing and alternatives.

Lance Brown of county Emergency Management told the court there are currently 57 people on a waiting list for RV hookups at the fairgrounds. County officials described plans to extend electric, water and sewer to the fairgrounds\u0004 northeast side and to install 50‑amp breakers and junction boxes spaced roughly every 60 feet. The county judge said the county would front installation costs and recoup the investment by having the fair association collect a fee and remit funds to the county until the project is paid off.

Commissioners debated whether the county should add new hookups or prioritize upgrading existing 30‑amp outlets to 50‑amp to better serve the growing size and electrical needs of modern RVs. One commissioner argued upgrading existing infrastructure could be the better long‑term investment and allow higher charges that would recover costs. Other commissioners raised concerns that expanding hookups will increase electricity and water use during fair week and that taxpayers could be exposed to higher utility bills if fees do not fully cover operating costs.

The court approved a motion to solicit bids and set a target project completion window discussed by staff (staff said October 15 was a target but commissioners expressed skepticism about septic work timelines). Commissioners asked staff to obtain detailed cost estimates, explore the fair association\u0004s fee arrangements and return with bids before final contract approval.

The vote to go out for bids carried by voice vote; staff will report back with bids and updated timelines for consideration.","The commissioners authorized solicitation of bids to add 12 new 50‑amp RV hookups at the Jim Wells County Fairgrounds, following debate over whether to add hookups or upgrade existing 30‑amp outlets. County staff said 57 parties are on a waiting list; commissioners discussed cost recovery, electricity use and timelines.",{"_33":97,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":98,"_41":78,"_43":99,"_45":99,"_47":100,"_49":101,"_51":102,"_53":103,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":104,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":105,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6789002,"Commissioners see demo of Verity Vanguard voting system, table purchase for further review",3302360,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5900464-2cdd45af920781c67dabcf23a4593ba2&start=3302&end=3302","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5900464-2cdd45af920781c67dabcf23a4593ba2/thumbnail_3302360.jpg","/articles/6789002/Jim-Wells-County/Texas/Commissioners-see-demo-of-Verity-Vanguard-voting-system-table-purchase-for-further-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6789002-e8b8ffdf4cdf9e63b2a4955339904976/orig.mp4?Expires=1775173504&Signature=BK5Ogxq6Ow-DjasGT7qlxKoBDYr-67jorWoaY0M82IjtCZSjls6KzGIG6QsXXyIUqNjVoPamtQOwd17CqVthzwJSYhGdS0dp98cMxcd1QO8U6eWcI4Ji9UEnQfF-rNMitqL47p4QhzLXD1aRNb4MnYvRzQMYWF7pF~lVFFRX-h~Gf9ko4GxA~belFMOyxBbwkKR1LxpqZSFk4BR1sPGBREsYKzgq6Y3JmPpetanod0Od3~7vNmJg8QrNZw9eBAtIZqoq1aXspCQ-OecL3w-7W~khuaRx97ASG9mkzZzyn3aaldNRV7ZRMIoUf2rOS021x5Zs6ydE5hD~dG4d6UNNqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jim Wells County elections staff and representatives from Hart InterCivic demonstrated the Verity Vanguard voting system before the commissioners court on Sept. 26, 2025.

Richard Guerra of the county Elections Office introduced the demonstration and said the county\u0004s current Verity (Hart) systems are approaching nine years of service and that the on‑demand printing approach reduces excess preprinted ballots and storage needs. Mike McMurray and Simon Saenz, sales account managers with Hart InterCivic, walked the court through poll pad integration, on‑demand ballot printing (\"Boost\"), an accessible voting device (\"Flex\"), spoil/reprint procedures and two‑factor authentication for poll workers.

Commissioners asked about certification and first use. McMurray said the vendor is pursuing state certification with a goal of end‑of‑year certification and potential first use in March. When asked about total cost, the judge said, \"the grand total of the cost is $348,059.\" Vendor staff confirmed the figure represents a one‑time equipment purchase and noted there will be ongoing annual licensing and support fees.

County staff explained the purchase could be sole‑source under current procurement rules and that the county had secured funding for poll pad replacement from the Secretary of State; commissioners asked staff to assess funding sources and timing before committing to purchase.

After questions about printer reliability, paper stock, spare cartridges, and whether the system will reduce ballot spoilage, the court voted to table the purchase to give staff time to explore funding, certification timelines and procurement options.

The court indicated it will request a full financing and implementation plan and bring the item back for a future decision once details are finalized.","County elections staff demonstrated the Verity Vanguard on‑demand ballot printing and accessible voting features and disclosed a one‑time equipment quote of $348,059; commissioners voted to table any purchase pending certification, funding and additional review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Jim Wells County adopts 2026 budget and sets 2025 tax rate at 0.767802

Votes at a glance: Jim Wells County Commissioners Court, Sept. 26, 2025

Jim Wells County authorizes bids to add 12 RV hookups at fairgrounds amid debate over upgrades

Commissioners see demo of Verity Vanguard voting system, table purchase for further review