I am a Texas Hill Country native. After graduating from Texas State University, I worked as a National Bank Examiner for the U.S. Comptroller of the Currency. I entered the banking sector and have served as president, CEO, or owner of banks in five Texas communities. In addition to numerous community service activities, I know the water issues affecting the Hill Country, having served as a director of the Headwaters Groundwater Conservation District and the UGRA. I was appointed by the Governor as a director of the LCRA, an $8 billion operation, where I served as Finance Committee Chairman.
As a bank president, CEO or owner, I have prepared many budgets, pro forma statements for stockholders and potential investors, and have conducted and reviewed many annual audits. All were done under the rigorous requirements of the Texas Department of Banking, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC. As chairman of the LCRA Finance Committee I had oversight over annual budgets in excess of $100 million, so I am comfortable managing the $64 million budget of Kerr County.
It appears the current Kerr County Budget of $64 million adequately addresses the safety and infrastructure needs of the county. What concerns me is the amount of the budget covered by accumulated reserves and not revenue. Adding to that concern is the number of properties that generated significant tax revenue that have come off the rolls due to the July Fourth Flood. This and the ongoing recovery costs will require a commissioner with financial management experience.
The safety and health of Kerr County residents and the employees of Kerr County must be the top priority of Commissioner’s Court. The Sheriff’s Office is the largest budget item. I believe Sheriff Leitha and his department are doing well and will support him. The second priority is to continue flood recovery efforts along with establishing an effective flood warning system including monitors, warning notification standards and responsibility. The third priority would be responsible planning for growth in Kerr County to ensure water, infrastructure and environmental concerns are met while protecting private property rights.
Under Texas statues, county governments are an extension of the State of Texas and the powers granted therein. Safety and health can be accomplished by working with the Sheriff’s department and coordinating with the city and other entities in the county. I will work with those entities on flood recovery and the establishment of an effective warning system. My financial management background will help me be effective with the budget process. My previous public service has allowed me to develop relationships beneficial to Kerr County. It will be an honor to serve Kerr County. Please vote.
I have served as the incumbent County Commissioner for the last 3 years. Prior to that I had 36 years of experience in the oil and gas upstream industry including 16 years of executive management experience. I was responsible for and managed annual operating budgets greater than $1 billion. I also have extensive operations and project management experience, contracts and procurement experience, and great financial and commercial insight. Prioritizing expenditures and making difficult decisions to cut costs was a routine requirement. As a petroleum engineer, I also understand our Kerr County geology, aquifers and groundwater movement.
I have served as the incumbent County Commissioner for the last 3 years and prior to that I had 16 years of executive management experience managing much larger annual capital budgets and much larger and complex operating expenditure budgets.
The current estimated recurring expenditure budget of $54.8 million compared to total estimated revenue of $50.9 million (down due to flood damaged properties) will result in a deficit. When non-recurring expenditures of $8.7 million this year are included, the total deficit is estimated at $12.7 million leaving an estimated year ending reserve balance of $14.6 million. The county typically overestimates budget expenditures, and year-end reserves are substantially higher than originally forecast. So, while we have a deficit budget again, I believe it is adequate, and I remain committed to keeping our county property taxes as low as possible.
My top three priorities are: 1. to improve county services and infrastructure without raising property taxes, 2. to continue to help residents and businesses rebuild from the tragic July 4th flood and ensure that an effective Flood Warning System (FWS) is finally in place, and 3. to continue to lead the fight against Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) invading our drought prone and environmentally sensitive hill country.
Adequately fund our Sheriff’s Department and provide our Road and Bridge Department with the funding and resources needed to keep our county-maintained roads on a 10-year chip seal cycle. Continue to help flood effected residents and businesses find the funding they need to rebuild. Guide the FWS implementation. Ensure our VFDs and the public in proximity to the Guadalupe floodplain know what to do when a flood warning is issued. Advocate for legislation to strengthen fire safety and cybersecurity regulations for BESS. Ensure that all fire and safety codes are enforced for BESS development. Visit www.HCESRPC.com
