Washington County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Washington County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Proposed Expo Multipurpose Facility
A new open-air multipurpose building at the Expo grounds goes before voters November 3. It could host graduations, rodeos, band practice, festivals, cook-offs, and more — with room for roughly 3,000-3,200 people. Scaled floor plans showing how real events fit will be released before early voting.
First responder pay step plans
Pay step plans for the Sheriff's Office, Jail, EMS and 911, plus the county's retirement plan agreement, were pushed to the next meeting because HR Director Amber Skalka couldn't attend.
Sales tax revenue boost
August sales tax collections hit $423,450 — $66,000 more than last year — and Judge Durrenberger reminded everyone that every dollar of sales tax helps buy down the property tax rate.
State-funded EMS whole blood program
New MOUs shift the cost of the EMS prehospital whole-blood program to the state. EMS got three new blood coolers and blood supply through the Brazos Valley Regional Advisory Council.
Consolidation of General Election Polling Locations
County election officials consolidated polling places down to eight total locations for the November 3 general election because of a shortage of available election judges.
Non-emergent ambulance transports in Brenham
A new addendum with Baylor Scott & White lets ambulances carry non-emergent patients between the Brenham hospital and clinics, keeping care local instead of sending patients to College Station.
Infrastructure and Facility Modernization
Washington County is gearing up to give the local Expo center a major facelift to attract more visitors and better support our farmers. Before the fun stuff starts, they’ve got to tackle some messy drainage and mapping issues to make sure the site is actually ready for the upgrade.
Judicial Infrastructure Expansion
Washington County is finally ditching the crumbling, unsafe courthouse for a brand-new 70,000-square-foot judicial center. It’s a major upgrade that stops the current, sketchy practice of walking inmates through the same hallways as the general public.