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Crime costs the county

The old saying goes "crime doesn't pay" but it should also add that taxpayers do. Tom Green County Commissioners will soon send a letter to the Texas Comptroller about state funds that they say are not being received.

SAN ANGELO, TX — "The first few years there was nearly full payment but the last few years now, it's getting less and less and less,” County Commissioner Ralph Hoelscher said.

Hoelscher is talking about the funds promised by the state to reimburse Texas counties for court appointed lawyers.

"And our big problems is, we don't know how to budget for this line item because we do not know how many attorneys will be appointed during the year,” Hoelscher said.

The state put the reimbursement program into law in 2001. Each county is supposed to be getting funds on a quarterly basis. It's simple math, tom green county is seeing an increase in court appointed attorneys and a decrease in state funds, it all adds up to an unbalanced budget. The county and their departments aren't in immediate danger, but if the funding doesn't come in the near future; "There will be tremendous cuts made,” Hoelscher said.

The county is responsible for funding mandated programs and departments. Hoelscher says those make up 75 percent of their budget. However, after those funds are allocated, things like libraries and parks could be left without.

The next step is to send the final draft of the letter. Our commissioners are urging the other counties in Texas to do the same.

When it comes to county government, it is an extension of the state.

So, in many cases, if a state mandated program is put into place, the county ends up footing the bill. However, county commissioners say there is something you can do. Get involved.

"There is a lot more impact on what goes on in Austin when a citizen, a private citizen calls, emails, writes, whatever their state representative or state senator and what they feel needs to be done,” County Commissioner Rick Bacon said.

Senators and representatives are already planning for the next legislative session. Commissioners say now is the time to learn what will be discussed and take action.

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