The hearing was held to gather public input and feedback on the proposed budget. The proposed budget for the next fiscal year is $100 million. The budget includes a 3% increase in property taxes, a 10% increase in sales tax, and a 5% increase in fees. These increases are intended to fund various county services, including public safety, infrastructure, and social services. The proposed budget also includes a number of initiatives aimed at improving the county’s infrastructure. These initiatives include:

The budget proposal includes a significant increase in funding for public safety, with a focus on addressing the rising crime rates. This increase is driven by the need to hire more police officers and invest in new technology to enhance crime prevention and response. The budget also prioritizes education, allocating more resources to support early childhood education, teacher salaries, and school infrastructure.

The budget also included a significant increase in funding for the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office, specifically for vehicle maintenance. This increase was driven by the rising costs of fuel and vehicle parts, which have been impacting the department’s operational efficiency. The budget also allocated funds for a part-time mental health clerk position to be added to the magistrate’s office.