Letter to the Editor

Editor:

For the first time in recent history, we have a County Judge that submitted a “no tax increase budget” in an attempt to provide relief to Hays County residents. Now we get to watch other elected officials attempt to undermine that budget, and force a property tax increase upon everyone.

Elected County Constables are again asking for a significant pay increase, to more than $94,000. Keep in mind that in 2018, their salaries were increased from $68,000 to $74,000 (Constables requested $94,000 then).

In 2018, Pct. 1 Constable David Peterson and Pct. 5 Constable Hood were leading the call for pay increases, along with then Pct. 3 Constable Ray Helm, who has since surrendered his Peace Officer License. In 2021, its Constables Peterson and Hood again.

These are the same two Constables who have been threatening to arrest law-abiding parents and taxpayers at recent school board meetings over arbitrary orders by the Boards of Trustees.

The people that call themselves “public servants” have to choose. Do you expect the support from the community whom you’ve indicated the willingness to further tax and oppress?

Unhappy public servants always have the ability to walk away and clear a spot for new blood. Sometimes they need our help. Let our elected Constables know what you think of their requested pay increase. Encourage your County Commissioner to fulfill the “effective rate budget” for no new property taxes.

Sincerely,

Sam M. Brannon

San Marcos