October 23, 2008

Palo Pinto County Pct. 1 Commissioner Q & A

Republican Bob Manskey

Question 1: Over the past year, the county and its citizens have experienced volatile fuel prices, spiking utility prices, a credit crunch, rising property values and low wages. Each year, during the annual budgeting process, Palo Pinto County Commissioners Court must juggle the county’s and the departmental needs against current available revenues to determine the tax rate necessary to achieve an equitable and realistic budget. What would be your priorities when trying to balance the county’s needs, including such issues as staffing, salaries, technology, and road, bridge and building infrastructure maintenance against the taxpayers’ economic welfare and the existing county reserves?

As county commissioner I would have two major priorities. County commissioners determine how our county tax dollars are spent through the county budget process. My first priority would be to protect the taxpayer’s investment and provide a good return on that investment. The second priority would be to protect and enhance the infrastructure of the county.

How are these two goals achieved? One of the primary tools would be through the budget process. Department heads should be clear and concise about their future goals, staffing and equipment needs, and what they could do without if reducing the budget is required.

Infrastructure maintenance is an absolute necessity. This is, after all, what the position of commissioner was originally created to do. The position has evolved into much more as decisions have become more complex, but our roads, bridges, equipment and property still need to be maintained

Last year, all county employees and elected officials received an across-the-board 12 percent pay increase. This year the commissioners approved a 5 percent pay increase. Also this year the county absorbed a 5.7 percent health insurance premium hike. This kept the 5.7 percent from being deducted from employees’ paychecks and therefore has to be considered a raise. That adds up to an increase of 22.7 percent the last two years. Retirement benefits were also increased in the budget this year.

The way county reserves are handled is also a major concern. I believe reserves should be used for unforeseen emergencies and special needs. I feel that reserves, when used, should go back to the taxpayer in the form of services.

Regarding technology – we need to continue to upgrade. Upgrading enables county departments to be more efficient. This not only improves customer service for citizens but also may result in reducing staffing increases.


Question 2: Explain how divestiture of the Brazos River Authority’s property could impact the role of Precinct 1 Commissioner. What are some of the major considerations?

When the Brazos River Authority finally figures out a way to divest itself as property owner at Possum Kingdom Lake, the county will be impacted in several major ways. The county will be forced to assume responsibility of law enforcement, road maintenance, possibly emergency services and all other services now provided by BRA. All four commissioners will be required to handle the increased financial issues involved with divestiture.

This divestiture could happen with very short notice and the county has to be prepared to assume responsibility. Sheriff Mercer will have to increase his staff to provide the necessary law enforcement coverage. The Precinct 2 Commissioner will probably have to increase his staff to handle infrastructure and maintenance. The other three precincts may have to provide funds and personnel in the short term to make sure the citizens have the necessary services.

Divestiture is apt to bring much higher property values at the lake. Should this happen, the county could possibly lose the “community at the lake.” These are the full-time residents who volunteer to provide services such as the fire departments. If these folks are forced out, there will be no one to provide these services and the county will have to step in.


Question 3: What are some other issues facing Palo Pinto County at large, and how do you recommend dealing with them?

Some of the issues facing our commissioners at present are: (1) road damage caused by heavy equipment working the Barnett Shale; (2) the rapid price increase in petroleum based materials; (3) the need for and hiring of an elections administrator; (4) the expansion and upgrading of the courthouse.

Earlier this year all the road material suppliers cancelled their bids with the county. This left commissioners with no materials and no way to purchase them as law requires a bid process. As a result paving costs have soared from $10,000 to over $30,000 per mile. Commissioners have received permission to go to a cost-plus bid procedure to purchase materials but they have to go deep into their reserves to achieve their goals.

Regarding the election process in this county – if it wasn’t so sad, it would be comical. No one has been able to explain to me how Harris County, the most populated in the state, can have results wrapped up by 11 p.m. and we don’t have final results until much later or the next day. I personally believe this is the result of short-term savings verses long-term vision. Perhaps an election administrator can get this situation corrected.

Yet another issue to be dealt with is upgrading the courthouse and expanding parking to benefit citizens during jury duty or county business.

We also need to work on inter-local agreements with county municipalities for collection and transport of stray animals to the new shelter in Mineral Wells.

Other issues of concern in the future include the BRA situation at PK Lake (discussed in No. 2), wind turbine issues and the Turkey Peak Reservoir.


Question 4: What would be your priorities in managing Precinct 1?

My priorities for Precinct 1 are as follows, and not listed in any particular order:

• Manage the taxpayers’ money as if it were my own (some of it is!) This includes the use of the reserves.

• Maintain county roads as if I lived on one.

• Protect and enhance the assets of Precinct 1. These include, but are not limited to, personnel, equipment, infrastructure and property.

• Achieve goals by utilizing a comprehensive training program.

• Provide a safe working environment for employees. Achieve this through safety meetings and well-maintained equipment. I will also recognize outstanding performance in both safety and production with an awards program.

• Keep the taxpayers of Precinct 1 informed about precinct and county issues through quarterly town hall meetings and media releases.

• Help to ensure our budget reserves are used wisely.

Speaking of reserves – did you know that our commissioners just pulled over $600,000 from the reserves to add to county retirement accounts? The budget raised matching funds for employee pensions from 170 percent to 200 percent, which makes us competitive with surrounding counties. For every dollar an employee contributes from his/her check, the county adds two dollars. This generous measure by itself would not be a problem except it came on top of salary increases. And it exploded when this increase was made retroactive from an employee’s date of hire – at a cost of over half a million dollars from reserves! I don’t know of any company or business that would do this. It now costs the county over $30,000 to pave a mile of road. You can do the math.


Question 5: What are the major maintenance and facility needs – roads, bridges, buildings, drainage, sewage, etc. – for Precinct 1?

Precinct 1 has many of the same maintenance and facility needs as the other three precincts. Road maintenance, paving, and right-of-way cleaning remain a top priority, especially on unpaved roads. I believe a tentative schedule should be maintained so citizens will have an idea when to expect road crews. Emergencies will be handled as they occur.

The property at Dempsey is a valuable asset for the county. This property, currently headquarters for the Precinct 1 crew, needs to be kept in good condition to benefit any future lease or sale.

Constant communication needs to be maintained with drilling companies to negotiate compensation for road damage. The Barnett Shale provides increased employment, financial benefit for landowners and profits for businesses – all good things. There is a down side however – the destruction of our county roads from the heavy trucks. The overweight permit issued by the state does not come close to covering damages. Commissioners, digging into their reserves due to increased prices, cannot afford to repair a road this week only to have it destroyed the next. Commissioners are working daily with drilling companies trying to be paid for the damage. The county is also working with the state to get help in recovering damages. I would like to see these drilling companies take responsibility for their actions. To date some have, but many have not.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Democrat Beth Ray

Question 1: Over the past year, the county and its citizens have experienced volatile fuel prices, spiking utility prices, a credit crunch, rising property values and low wages. Each year, during the annual budgeting process, Palo Pinto County Commissioners Court must juggle the county’s and the departmental needs against current available revenues to determine the tax rate necessary to achieve an equitable and realistic budget. What would be your priorities when trying to balance the county’s needs, including such issues as staffing, salaries, technology, and road, bridge and building infrastructure maintenance against the taxpayers’ economic welfare and the existing county reserves?

My priorities are to keep the taxes as low as possible while providing a budget for each department that allows them to properly serve the county. We have a healthy reserve thanks to previous money-conscience commissioners. That reserve can be tapped into if the entire area drops into a deep recession.


Question 2: Explain how divestiture of the Brazos River Authority’s property could impact the role of Precinct 1 Commissioner. What are some of the major considerations?

The BRA situation will have a major effect on the entire county. We have already provided monies for the sheriff’s department to hire additional deputies as needed for protection of that area. Divestiture of the Brazos River Authority’s property might be the best answer for Precinct 1 as well as the rest of the county. If a single company or corporation purchases the land and continues to lease to the current residents, that company would still be responsible for the maintenance of the roads they purchase. The road situation is a very complicated one and will require megabucks in surveys, etc. before the county can accept them as county roads. I understand Commissioner Laney is watching the situation closely. It is a very complicated matter that will have to be solved as the game unfolds. Another important issue that will affect the entire county is next year’s tax appraisals on BRA property.


Question 3: What are some other issues facing Palo Pinto County at large, and how do you recommend dealing with them?

One major issue facing Palo Pinto County at large is the BRA situation as discussed above. Another issue facing Palo Pinto County at large is the damage being done to the county roads by oil field trucks and equipment. Our roads were not built to handle such heavy loads. Precinct 2 currently has the biggest flow of heavy trucks and equipment. The oil companies have been working with us to help with the problem.


Question 4: What would be your priorities in managing Precinct 1?

My number one priority in managing Precinct 1 is keeping the great road crew and secretary I currently have. Larry, Sam, Marshall, Troy, Lee and Iris make the job a very enjoyable one because they take pride in their job and their precinct.


Question 5: What are the major maintenance and facility needs – roads, bridges, buildings, drainage, sewage, etc. – for Precinct 1?

The major maintenance and facility needs for Precinct 1 are maintaining our roads and bridges while trying to gradually pave additional roads. I have plans to maintain roads before they have to be completely replaced. Precinct 1 currently is in good shape with equipment in good and safe working condition. We have a maintenance schedule, which ensures the equipment is safe and provides regular upkeep.