Tom Green County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tom Green County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Local Provider Participation Fund (LPPF) Regulatory Updates
The county collects mandatory payments from Shannon and Compass hospitals to draw down federal Medicaid matching funds for uninsured care. The court cut the rate from 5% to 2.5% because the fund already holds $28 million against a projected $26 million need for 2027. Taxpayers don't pay this — the hospitals do, and the money returns to them for care.
Local Provider Participation Fund Admin Fee Request
The county collects mandatory payments from Shannon and Compass hospitals to draw down federal Medicaid matching funds for uninsured care. The court cut the rate from 5% to 2.5% because the fund already holds $28 million against a projected $26 million need for 2027. Taxpayers don't pay this — the hospitals do, and the money returns to them for care.
Employee Health Insurance Renewal
HR Director Julie Radekin proposed adding a Roth option to the county's 457 retirement plan and increasing the maximum employee contribution limit for healthcare flexible spending accounts to align with federal guidelines ($3,400).
Delinquent Court Fine Collections
Collection firm Purdue Brandon presented strong multi-year figures showing over $5.3 million collected and extensive docket clearance for Justice of the Peace courts, boosted by new text message outreach.
Concho Valley Public Defender Grant Policy
The county accepted two state improvement grants from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission to fund public defender core operations and expand services into the Big Country region.
Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed County Budget
The county is currently facing a preliminary deficit of $1.76 million before accounting for new positions, while trying to rebuild its fund balance to the 30% target. Commissioners reviewed potential line-item cuts in fuel, utilities, and inmate food costs to help bridge the funding gap.
Upcoming Tax Rate Hearing
County officials reminded residents that the public hearing on the proposed tax rate is scheduled for September 3rd at 6:00 PM.
Elected Official Salaries and Compensation
The court approved publishing proposed salary adjustments for elected officials for fiscal year 2027, including a 3% cost-of-living raise across the board, commissioner base salary adjustments, and auto allowance realignments.
Public Defender Grant Application and Staffing
The court debated applying for a 100% state grant to fund a data and logistics director for the public defender's office. While some commissioners questioned long-term costs and whether the role duplicates existing duties, supporters emphasized it is a temporary 100% grant that will improve operational efficiency across rural counties.
County Financial Audit FY 2025
The county's annual financial audit for fiscal year 2025 showed very healthy finances, featuring a $32.7 million unassigned fund balance and millions under budget.
Indigent Defense Grant Acceptance
The county accepted a $34,019 state grant from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission to fund a new coordinator position. This role will improve coordination between the jail, local attorneys, and courts while ensuring timely legal counsel for defendants.