Wed Sep 18 15:52:00 UTC 2024: ## Washington County Approves $43.24 Million Budget for Fiscal Year 2025

**Brenham, TX** – Washington County Commissioners have approved a $43.24 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, with a focus on transparency and efficiency. The budget, which includes $30.13 million in reserves, will be managed across five fund pools, including the General Fund, Road and Bridge Fund, Highway 36/290 Fund, Debt Service Fund, and District Attorney Fund.

This year’s budget features a notable shift with the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department’s budget being rolled into the General Fund. This consolidation will result in a higher overall budget for the General Fund, reflecting increased expenditures, primarily in personnel services, benefits, and other services and charges.

County Auditor Shawna Hollis highlighted the adoption of ClearGov software, which will enhance budget transparency and facilitate real-time changes. The addition of a strategic planning module will allow the county to develop its own strategic plan, fostering ownership and involvement from different departments.

“We want to write that strategic plan ourselves and do this because it’s about us, it’s about our departments, and so we should be the ones saying that; no one else should say it for us,” Hollis stated.

The budget includes a projected $14,450 deficit, expected to be covered by existing reserves. The county will start FY25 with $30.13 million in reserves, which are anticipated to decrease to $28,966,284 by the end of the fiscal year.

The adopted FY25 budget is available on the county website under the financial transparency tab.

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