It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Burnet County Jail, Historical in Burnet, TX gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Burnet, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“I am so grateful for the exceptional care my mother received from Always Best Care of Boerne. Ken, the owner, and Veronica, our appointment scheduler, were both wonderful from the very beginning. Veronica was fantastic—she was an incredibly effective and caring communicator. She kept me fully informed about caregiver schedules, promptly addressed any concerns about my mom, and even reached out to other family members when I wasn’t available. Her thoughtfulness and reliability made a stressful time so much easier to navigate. What touched our family most was how genuinely the caregivers cared—not only for my mom, but also for my dad, even though he was not under their care. Their compassion and kindness went above and beyond and gave us tremendous peace of mind. I highly recommend Always Best Care of Boerne to anyone looking for professional, compassionate in-home care. Thank you to Ken, Veronica, and the entire team for the wonderful support and dedication. We truly appreciate you.”
“We are very grateful for Kass and the team at Always Best Care Senior Services - Home Care Services in Boerne. We needed dependable in-home senior care in Fredericksburg, Texas for my mother, who is also on hospice, and finding the right care partner had been difficult. After looking around and talking to multiple options, we finally found a team that is truly living up to expectations. The hospice support is important, but the in-home care component has made a major difference for our family. Kass has been responsive, compassionate, professional, and consistent. The caregivers have helped provide the extra daily support, comfort, and attention my mother needs, while also giving our family more peace of mind. It is clear that Ken and the ownership team care about doing this the right way. They understand that families are not just looking for basic home care services — they are looking for trust, communication, reliability, and people who treat their loved ones with dignity. For anyone searching for senior home care, caregiver services, hospice support assistance, companion care, or personal care in Fredericksburg, Boerne, Kerrville, Comfort, or the Texas Hill Country, I would strongly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services. They have been a blessing to our family, and we appreciate the care and professionalism they have shown.”
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“Everyone is so caring and the office staff jumps in to help anytime there is a need. Communicate so easily. I’ve always felt so comfortable and trusting of their caregivers and service.”
“My experience with these amazing home care professionals is as close to perfect as it gets! I have a dear friend that is in hospice and needed a little extra home care. Ken, the owner, was fast to respond to my call and started home care right away. I can't say enough good things about my experience with Always Best Care Senior Services' staff and owner.”
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“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support for our clients, their family members and our caring team of staff .”
“I am a past client of this provider Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother with care and a very short notice. Their staff was some of the most caring people that I've ever met. Not only were they wonderful to my mother but also to my family. I would highly recommend using them.”
“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff was so caring to my mother and so nice to my family I highly recommend them to take care of your loved ones. I think there ought to be more than just five stars to give them”
“For those who are searching for qualified caregivers for their loved ones, contact Ken Thomas at Always Best Care Senior Services. Mr. Thomas provides an authentic and professional guiding hand when discussing available services for your precious senior family members. When it is time for a beloved senior to receive assistance, Mr. Thomas understands the importance of providing trustworthy and quality support.”
“Ken leads his Always Best Care Senior Services Agency with compassion for his clients and their families. He is a local senior care expert and leader in his community. If you are need of assistance in navigating your local senior care options, then do not hesitate to give Ken a call!”
“Kenneth is kind, patient, experienced and knowledgeable. We are thankful to him for all his efforts and for going above and beyond.”
“Very professional and welcoming people so I would definitely recommend my friends and family to Always Best Care in Boerne.”
“The owner is so understanding and supportive of how I want my loved ones cared for. He and his staff actually listen to what I would like done for my parents. Very thoughtful, very professional and very caring. It’s such a relief to have help in caring for my loved ones”
“Kenneth is knowledgeable and trustworthy. I can’t recommend him enough. You’re in good hands with Kenneth.”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE is certainly a warm & caring business owned & operated by Ken Thomas. I certainly would recommend them for you or your loved ones excellent care.”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE is certainly a warm & caring business owned & operated by Ken Thomas. I certainly would recommend them for you or your loved ones excellent care.”
“I will be forever grateful for the love you showered upon us and my grandmother”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Wallace Riddell Park in Burnet, TX with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Aranya Restaurant or visit Fort Croghan Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Burnet, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Burnet, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Burnet, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Burnet County commissioners have approved a 2027 fiscal-year spending plan that provides pay increases for county employees, appointed staff and elected officials while setting the stage for a higher property tax levy.The court approved the budget unanimously Sept. 8. County documents show the plan is expected to produce more than $3.7 million in additional property tax revenue over the FY 2026 budget. Of that amount, more than $1.2 million will result from newly added property values, with the balance expected to come from a proposed...
Burnet County commissioners have approved a 2027 fiscal-year spending plan that provides pay increases for county employees, appointed staff and elected officials while setting the stage for a higher property tax levy.
The court approved the budget unanimously Sept. 8. County documents show the plan is expected to produce more than $3.7 million in additional property tax revenue over the FY 2026 budget. Of that amount, more than $1.2 million will result from newly added property values, with the balance expected to come from a proposed tax-rate increase.
Commissioners are scheduled to consider a proposed tax rate of 35.41 cents per $100 valuation during their Sept. 22 regular meeting. The rate would apply to the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1.
The proposed rate is 6% higher than the current 33.23 cent rate. A rate exceeding 35.41 cents would require voter approval through an election.
The approved budget includes both legally required and discretionary salary adjustments. State law governs the pay of certain judicial officials, while the court had discretion over raises for other county personnel and elected officeholders.
The county court-at-law judge’s salary will increase from $234,000 to $247,750. The county attorney’s pay will rise from $166,700 to $173,368.
“The state mandates we keep the county court-at-law Judge salary within $1,000 of the (33rd and 424th) district judges, and the county attorney salary must be equal to the district attorney,” Pct. 2 Commissioner Damon Beierle told the Messenger.
Beierle said the remaining county elected officials, appointed personnel and employees also will receive raises.
“I assume raises could be refused but no one did,” he said.
Figures from the county auditor’s office show the county judge’s salary increasing from $113,337 to $117,871. Each commissioner’s salary will rise from $95,742 to $99,572.
The county clerk, county treasurer, district clerk and tax assessor-collector each will move from $98,744 to $102,694. The sheriff’s salary will increase from $110,553 to $115,994.
Each justice of the peace will receive an increase from $90,541 to $94,163. Pct. 1 and Pct. 3 constables will go from $87,072 to $94,163, while the salaries for Pct. 2 and Pct. 4 constables will rise from $87,072 to $90,555.
Beierle said the county salary grievance committee approved an 8% increase for the Pct. 1 and Pct. 3 constables.
“The sheriff’s office dispatchers will get 10% to stay competitive with nearby agencies,” he said. “Others will receive a 4% cost-of-living allowance (COLA).”
The COLA is tied to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index, which measures changes in costs for categories including food, health care, housing, transportation and other goods and services, as well as Social Security-related expenses.
The budget discussion also included an off-the-cuff remark by Beierle that was picked up by a meeting microphone before the Sept. 8 vote.
“I said, ‘Oh dang it, I had to give myself another raise,’” Beierle recalled. A recording captured him adding, “They’ll complain whether we do or whether we don’t.”
Beierle later said he regretted the comment.
“It was a terrible joke. I will be apologizing for it during the next court. I am embarrassed at my poor choice of jokes during a serious meeting,” he told the Messenger.
The commissioners are scheduled to adopt the total combined property tax levy for FY 2027 during the Sept. 22 meeting.
It grew by 1,000 between 2024 and 2025. Changes in population can reflect birth and death rates, immigration patterns, regional shifts, and even the overall health of the economy. The 1.8% annual increase was primarily driven by people moving from other states.In the decade between 2015 and 2025, Burnet County, TX’s population grew by 27.4%.+1.01KSource: US Census BureauSince 2000, Burnet County, TX’s population increased 24 out of 25 years. The largest increase occurred between 2022 and 2023, when Bur...
It grew by 1,000 between 2024 and 2025. Changes in population can reflect birth and death rates, immigration patterns, regional shifts, and even the overall health of the economy. The 1.8% annual increase was primarily driven by people moving from other states.
In the decade between 2015 and 2025, Burnet County, TX’s population grew by 27.4%.
+1.01K
Source: US Census Bureau
Since 2000, Burnet County, TX’s population increased 24 out of 25 years. The largest increase occurred between 2022 and 2023, when Burnet County, TX gained 1,700 residents. Its largest decline occurred between 2009 and 2010 when there were 2,300 fewer residents.
Annual population change, 2001–2025
| year | FACT__population_change_positive | FACT__population_change_negative | Population change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 1456 | 1456 | |
| 2002 | 1340 | 1340 | |
| 2003 | 1158 | 1158 | |
| 2004 | 1433 | 1433 | |
| 2005 | 1082 | 1082 | |
| 2006 | 1589 | 1589 | |
| 2007 | 1234 | 1234 | |
| 2008 | 755 | 755 | |
| 2009 | 440 | 440 | |
| 2010 | -2285 | -2285 | |
| 2011 | 461 | 461 | |
| 2012 | 162 | 162 | |
| 2013 | 197 | 197 | |
| 2014 | 377 | 377 | |
| 2015 | 781 | 781 | |
| 2016 | 1098 | 1098 | |
| 2017 | 756 | 756 | |
| 2018 | 785 | 785 | |
| 2019 | 903 | 903 | |
| 2020 | 1200 | 1200 | |
| 2021 | 1693 | 1693 | |
| 2022 | 1487 | 1487 | |
| 2023 | 1730 | 1730 | |
| 2024 | 1614 | 1614 | |
| 2025 | 1011 | 1011 |
A county’s population is influenced by three factors:
Components of population change from previous year, 2011–2025
During a recent Burnet County commissioners meeting, the court unanimously approved the FY 2027 budget, which came with several raises for county employees and elected officials.According to county documents, the new budget will raise more total property taxes than the FY 2026 budget by more than $3.7 million and more than $1.2 million of that amount will come from new property added to the tax roll. A proposed property tax increase is expected to make up the difference.At a Sept. 22 regular meeting, County Judge Bryan Wilson; ...
During a recent Burnet County commissioners meeting, the court unanimously approved the FY 2027 budget, which came with several raises for county employees and elected officials.
According to county documents, the new budget will raise more total property taxes than the FY 2026 budget by more than $3.7 million and more than $1.2 million of that amount will come from new property added to the tax roll. A proposed property tax increase is expected to make up the difference.
At a Sept. 22 regular meeting, County Judge Bryan Wilson; Pct. 1 Commissioner Jim Luther Jr.; Pct. 2 Commissioner Damon Beierle; Pct. 3 Commissioner Chad Collier; and Pct. 4 Commissioner Joe Don Dockery will vote to approve the proposed rate of .3541 per $100 dollars of valuation during FY 2027, set to begin Oct.1.
The proposed rate is 6 % above the current rate of .3323. Any proposed rate higher than .3541 would require an election.
In the budget which was approved unanimously at the Sept. 8 regular meeting, salary increases, involving some judicial positions came with state statute requirements; however, several county-appointed personnel, employees and elected officials were discretionary.
As required by Texas Law, the county court-at-law judge will get an increase from $234,000 to $247,750 (an increase of about 2%) and county attorney pay will rise from $166,700 to $173,368.
“The state mandates we keep the county court-at-law Judge salary within $1,000 of the (33rd and 424th) district judges, and the county attorney salary must be equal to the district attorney,” Beierle told the Bulletin.
All other county elected and appointed officials and employees will receive a raise, too, the commissioner added.
“I assume raises could be refused but no one did,” Beierle said.
According to the county auditor's office, raises proposed for elected officials during FY 2027 include the county judge from $113,337 to $117,871; each one of the four county commissioners from $95,742 to $99,572; county clerk, county treasurer, district clerk, tax assessor-collector from $98,744 to $102,694; sheriff from $110,553 to $115,994; each one of the four justices of the peace from $90,541 to $94,163; pct. 1 and pct. 3 constables from $87,072 to $94,163; and pct. 2 and pct. 4 constables from $87,072 to $90,555.
The county salary grievance committee approved the pct. 1 and pct. 3 constable pay raise of 8%, Beierle recalled.
“The sheriff’s office dispatchers will get 10% to stay competitive with nearby agencies,” Beierle said. “Others will receive a 4% cost-of-living-allowance (COLA).”
COLA is determined by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau Consumer Price Index, which tracks charges for food, general health care, housing, transportation and several other items and services, such as Social Security.
As the commissioners prepared to review and then pass the budget during the Sept. 8 meeting, Beierle was heard on a "hot mic" uttering what could be perceived as the county gaffe of the year.
“I said, ‘Oh dang it, I had to give myself another raise,’” Beierle recalled. A recording of the meeting revealed that Beierle continued: "They'll complain whether we do or whether we don't."
Beierle told the Bulletin, “It was a terrible joke. I will be apologizing for it during the next court. I am embarrassed at my poor choice of jokes during a serious meeting.”
Commissioners plan to adopt the total combined property tax levy for fiscal year 2027 during the upcoming Sept. 22 meeting.
BURNET COUNTY, Texas — Firefighters have stopped the forward progression of the Flat Rock Fire, an 8.6-acre grass and brush fire in southern Burnet County, officials said Tuesday evening.In an update provided to CBS Austin around 6:40 p.m., the Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department said the fire was approximately 20% contained, and crews were expected to remain at the scene overnight.The fire is burning in the 4000 block of County Road 401 South near County Road 403.ALSO| Austin Fire Chief Joel Baker to retir...
BURNET COUNTY, Texas — Firefighters have stopped the forward progression of the Flat Rock Fire, an 8.6-acre grass and brush fire in southern Burnet County, officials said Tuesday evening.
In an update provided to CBS Austin around 6:40 p.m., the Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department said the fire was approximately 20% contained, and crews were expected to remain at the scene overnight.
The fire is burning in the 4000 block of County Road 401 South near County Road 403.
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The Texas A&M Forest Service is using a bulldozer to establish a containment line around the fire, while firefighters continue extinguishing hot spots within the burned area. Crews will monitor the fire overnight as containment work continues.
Officials said no structures have been damaged and no injuries have been reported. There are also no evacuations or road closures, and officials reported no current public safety concerns.
Earlier, at around 5:30 p.m., Burnet County ESD 9 - Spicewood Fire Rescue reported the fire had burned 8.6 acres and said the Texas A&M Forest Service had arrived at the scene. Some local mutual aid agencies were being released while other crews remained.
Spicewood Fire Rescue said the fire started from debris burning during an active burn ban.
An earlier estimate from Round Mountain Volunteer Fire Department around 3:30 p.m. placed the fire at about 15 acres as it moved slowly through heavy fuels. Aircraft were conducting water drops at the time. The fire was later measured at 8.6 acres.
Multiple agencies responded, including Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department, Marble Falls Fire Rescue, Horseshoe Bay Fire Rescue, Granite Shoals Fire Department, Round Mountain Volunteer Fire Department, Sunrise Beach Volunteer Fire Department, STAR Flight 1, an Army National Guard Alamo flight crew, Burnet County Office of Emergency Management, Burnet County Sheriff's Office and the Texas A&M Forest Service.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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