The Board of County Commissioners sets policy and approves the annual budget for countywide services. That includes funding for public safety, roads, emergency services, stormwater systems, parks, and other essential infrastructure. The Board does not control school funding, constitutional officers’ budgets, or city government operations — those are separate entities with their own authority. My responsibility is to ensure county resources are used responsibly and aligned with community priorities.
Most road funding is restricted to specific purposes such as new capital improvements or designated transportation projects. While general revenue can support maintenance, reallocating it would require reducing funding for services like fire rescue, EMS, law enforcement support, or judicial operations. The challenge is balancing maintenance needs while protecting essential public services. My focus is on long-term planning that preserves infrastructure before it fails.
Infrastructure projects are evaluated based on safety, condition, capacity needs, and long-term community impact. Engineering assessments, traffic studies, and public input all play a role. Projects tied to public safety, emergency access, and critical system failures typically rise to the top. My goal is to ensure decisions are data-driven and transparent, not political.
Growth contributes through impact fees, permitting, and infrastructure requirements placed on new development. However, impact fees are limited in how they can be used and cannot be applied retroactively to fix long-standing deficiencies. That’s why smart growth policy matters. We must ensure new development supports infrastructure capacity while also addressing existing maintenance needs in established neighborhoods.
County budgets, meeting agendas, and workshop discussions are publicly available. Residents can attend meetings, review materials online, or contact my office directly with questions. I believe government works best when it is transparent and accessible. If you ever have a question about how your tax dollars are being used, I encourage you to reach out.
