Presentation and Discussion on the 2017 Budget.

Mr. Silguero explained that they were looking to clarify final numbers and receive direction by the court. Notifying that after yesterday's workshop they ended up with a million dollars more than what was started with. Stating that the main focus is the new positions. Mr. Silguero disclosed that the sheriff is willing to accept three positions instead of six. 

Regarding the constable's request for the environmental officer and other precincts, he stated that they can hold on for now, since the county is just implementing the nuisance of abatement program. 

Commissioner Cantu clarified that the increase that was done yesterday was due to all the recommendations coming from the departments and are brought to them and is not a recommendation by the court. 

 With regards to the positions requested by the district attorney's office, Mr. Silguero notified that they are good with accepting two criminal investigators and the four assistants. Mr. Guerra clarified that these positions are different than the budget for the civil division. 

Further, informing that the final count for new positions was 35. Reducing the positions for the sheriff's department will allow for a savings of about $200,000. Nonetheless, Mr. Silguero stated that next June they'll look at the sheriff's positions to consider the budget. 

Mr. Cruz added that if they do defer to do a review mid of next year, for the constables and the sheriff's they'll shave off $425,000 of the current estimated balance. 

Commissioner Cantu suggested waiting to see the impact the nuisance of abatement program will have before providing additional staff. The commissioner also considered the budget impact and withdrew the petition for two positions, despite the fact that it does not affect the budget. Additionally, the commissioner suggested to place an specific amount of money for all the requests and then weighing each of the request as to the amount that has been set. 

Under facilities management there were twelve positions requested which Mr. Silguero informed only two out of the twelve were approved. Mr. Guerra suggested moving forward with the two positions. 

For the tax office, the court discussed reconsidering some of the positions for the new McAllen substation. Mr. Silguero notified that he is yet to speak with Mr. Villarreal regarding the positions. On the other hand, Mr. Cruz informed that he spoke with Mr. Villarreal and stressed he needed those six positions and is only willing to reconsider the positions after knowing how many people wil be using the substation. Commissioner Cantu suggested to have Mr. Villarreal shift employees as the work load will probably decrease from one office to another. The court emphasized the reduction of two positions now and not after hiring. Commissioner Cantu suggested to reduce two of those positions. 

Mr. Guerra suggested approving the two techs under the IT positions, as they are needed. Justifying that having in-house techs has saved the county money.

Commissioner Flores stepped away from the meeting.

Mr. Guerra indicated deleting the two positions requested for insurance purposes. 

On the other hand, Commissioner Palacios informed that the two positions requested by the precinct are just to maintain what they already have. 

Mr. Cruz notified that the balance decreased to $1,381,214. Due to the adjustments, there will be no need to reduce the poll election workers.

Commissioner Flores joined the meeting.

Mr. Guerra and Mr. Cruz presented suggestions regarding the road and bridge, indicating that right now they're working along with TxDOT however, they are requiring a point of contact that is a county employee to oversee the projects. Currently, the engineers act like the project manger and report back to the precincts. However, because of federal regulations TxDOT is requesting the county to provide a local point of contact. With regards, Mr. Guerra suggested to shift responsibilities to in-house personnel, instead of requiring additional positions. Nevertheless, suggesting to keep the slot open under county wide road and bridge, since it is a mandate that the county has. 

Mr. Silguero notified that the department requests with no budgetary impact were fine and are already working with them. 

Mr. Cruz reported to the court that the percentage of fund balance is 14.7%. Mr. Guerra reminded the court that the percentage is important due to the adoption considered last year, at a minimum of 10% or up to 15%. The goal was to get to the higher end and are close to it. 

Mr. Silguero advised that the proposed budget will be recorded at the county clerk's office and posted on the website, this will provide the public with time to review before the adoption schedule for the 27th. Mr. Guerra clarified that after the budget is adopted on the 27th, there will be adjustments that will take effect until January. Again, emphasizing that once they adopt the budget no changes can be made, until the assuming year starts.