The budget discussion for the county continued at this week’s commissioner’s court.  The discussion continues to focus on what to do about the county’s 1.8 million shortfall for the coming year.  The shortfall is the result of a fall in property tax valuations no longer being able to sustain what had, in previous years, been budgeted for.  The deficit numbers have fluctuated as areas of the budget are being trimmed but, it appears that the two largest areas of the Austin County Budget, Sheriff and EMS, are not going to be able to survive unscathed. 

Commissioner Turner began the discussion with a speech about how he couldn’t in good conscience accept any form of a raise with the looming budgetary shortfall facing the county.  Although he acknowledged that it would only be a few hundred dollars he, nevertheless, would rather not take it from the budget for the 2016 fiscal year.  Randy Reichardt, Commissioner of Precinct 3 posited the point, when discussion turned to raises, “Sheriff, I don’t want to be ugly but, do you know how much you make as an elected official…$52,760?  And your chief deputy, if he gets a three percent raise, is going to be making $52, 653?  Why do you want to be sheriff?”  To which Sheriff Brandes stated, “He’ll [actually] be making a little more than me.”  To which Reichardt held up his hands and stated, “I rest my case, Reese.” directing his comment toward Commissioner Turner.  “Well, that might be one of the places we need to consider” turner stated as the room began to laugh.  “I know a lot of places you need to consider” Reichardt responded.  He continued, “Yawl need to understand this.  Who do you want in 10 years running this county…There are certain positions in this county that are very responsible positions…I want the next guy to actually want this job.  And, I don’t want only one person running.  I want somebody who wants the job because it pays almost as much as a paying job does.  Or something similar.  Someone with a college education who wants the job to run the county.  And, unless we pay these people…you get what you pay for, if you don’t hire quality people, then you don’t have quality.”   

This coming week citizens will be allowed to voice their remarks and ideas to the commissioner’ court, and many aren’t expecting it to be very positive.  You can watch the entire exchange in the video below: