WHARTON — Wharton County commissioners will meet Monday, Aug. 10, to begin work on the county’s 2027 budget and consider setting the proposed 2026 property tax rate.
The meeting is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. in the Commissioners Courtroom at the Wharton County Courthouse Annex, 309 E. Milam St. in Wharton.
Commissioners are expected to conduct a 2027 budget workshop before considering action to set the proposed tax rate and schedule a public hearing on the county’s proposed 2027 annual operating budget.
The agenda does not identify the tax rate that will be proposed. Setting a proposed rate does not constitute final adoption of the rate.
Commissioners will also consider a $10,500 agreement for subsurface utility engineering to map underground utilities near the Wharton County Sheriff’s Office and county jail.
Another item calls for the proposed purchase of 10 ballistic shields from Galls for approximately $36,000. The equipment would be purchased for the Wharton County Sheriff’s Office using money from the Sheriff Local Forfeiture Fund.
Additional agenda items include:
- Approving the county’s 2027 holiday schedule.
- Considering approval of the Strarup Subdivision.
- Considering a road-use agreement between Wharton County and AEP Texas Inc. for the Ursidae Substation.
- Accepting $20,000 from CenterPoint Energy for its use of County Road 442 and releasing a road-use agreement connected to a CenterPoint Energy project dated April 14, 2025.
- Ratifying a resolution involving the Indigent Defense Grant Program.
- Approving agreements for juvenile probation services involving Victoria, Fort Bend and Rockdale counties.
- Approving an engagement letter with KM&L Certified Public Accountants for auditing services related to the county’s 2026 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
- Approving the county’s July 31 payroll, including approximately $471,520 in payroll, $922,064 in applicable benefits and $248,351 in time-sensitive invoices.
Public comments will be accepted during the meeting. However, the court cannot take action during public comments on matters that are not listed on the agenda.