Commissioners Court ·
At their first FY 2026-27 budget workshop, commissioners discussed facility security, hiring a county administrator, and continued road paving. Next meeting: Thursday, June 11.
Next meeting Thursday, June 11.
With May coming to a close, Caldwell County commissioners and county departments are beginning to look at FY 2026-2027 needs and priorities en route to approving a new operating budget to take effect on Oct. 1.
Commissioners approved the budget calendar at their May 14 meeting and held their first public workshop on Thursday, where they discussed what issues they were hoping to tackle in the coming year.
Caldwell County Judge Hoppy Haden said beefing up security at county facilities was on his priority list, noting that only the Caldwell County Justice Center is outfitted with a metal detector operated by a bailiff. Pursuing metal detectors for the Caldwell County Courthouse and potentially other facilities would help ensure the safety of both citizens and employees, he said, as would hiring additional bailiffs.
“It’s important and it’s time we did this,” he said. “It’s a dangerous world right now and I feel personally responsible for people’s safety.”
The judge also said the county should pursue finding a strategic planner and wanted commissioners to continue working toward hiring a county administrator who would operate in the county similar to how a city manager stabilizes government at the municipal level.
Other priorities discussed include seeking out additional office space for county employees and continuing to pave county roads, which Unit Road Administrator Donald LeClerc said were just 18 miles away from being fully paved, although some will still require rehabilitation and leveling after that.
Commissioners will set the tax rate and post a preliminary budget later this summer before voting on both in September.
Other Action. Commissioners:
- Voted to leave the burn ban off.
- Approved an order authorizing the sale of fireworks in unincorporated areas of the county for the Fourth of July holiday. The order disallows the sale of aerial fireworks with sticks or fins and expires after July 4.
- Approved a resolution authorizing Caldwell County Pct. 2 to apply for the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority FY 2027 Task Force Grant, which could fund two additional deputy constables and five solar-paneled license plate readers.
- Approved an agreement with Quiddity Engineering for planning, implementation and grant-related support on the Texas Water Development Board Outdoor Water Siren Grant.
- Approved and adopted the Caldwell County Accounts Payable Policy.
- Approved an $8,000 donation for FY 2027 to the Combined Community Action for Meals on Wheels Program.
- Approved the Caldwell County Community and Evacuation Center license and use agreement and exhibits.
This is a brief summary of discussion and action highlights of the May 28, 2026 regular Commissioners Court meeting.