Residents ask Freestone County to consider cost-of-living increase for retirees as 2026 budget work nears

Visitors to the Freestone County Commissioners Court asked the board to consider a cost-of-living increase for county retirees as staff begin work on the 2026 budget.

At the start of the item, a commissioner introduced public comment on the matter and said the court welcomed visitors who had come to "encourage us to do an increase." A commenter asked when county staff will begin work on the 2026 budget and whether the court is already "on it now." Commissioners replied the item would be discussed at the next scheduled meeting and that staff could call or arrange a special meeting if needed.

One commenter said they had provided written material from multiple people (noted in the transcript as submissions from "Janet Leggio" and "Janet Waldron"). Commissioners said they support looking at a cost-of-living increase and will include the topic as the court begins budget work.

The discussion was a request and study item; no change to retiree benefits or a formal motion to alter the budget was made at the meeting. Commissioners instructed staff to consider the request as they prepare the 2026 budget.

Provenance: Item introduction and public comment begin at 00:07:06 (transcript excerpt: "Let's go to item number 10, which is to discuss cost of living increase for retirees. We have a lot of visitors today, and we'd love to hear some comment from y'all." ) and related remarks continue through 00:12:02 (transcript excerpt: "But we will be talking about it shortly at the next meeting.").