Liberty County Judge Jay Knight reflected on nearly 12 years in office, outlined major infrastructure projects and discussed the county’s financial outlook during his State of the County address at the Trinity Valley Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 10.
Knight, who will begin his fourth four-year term in January, also reiterated that it will be his last.
“Jan has spoken,” Knight joked, referring to his wife, as he discussed his plans to retire from public office at the end of his next term.
Much of his presentation focused on the changes Liberty County has experienced since he took office in January 2015 and the challenges that continued population growth will bring.
“If you’re a native of Liberty County, if you’ve lived in Dayton all your life, or even anywhere in Liberty County all your life, you see the changes as they are apparent,” Knight said. “And the growth is here. It’s been here. It’s going to keep continuing to be here.”
Knight said county officials identified five major priorities when he first took office: improving law enforcement, addressing transportation needs, developing an economic development strategy, improving drainage and building a new county jail.
Law enforcement costs make up largest part of county budget
According to Knight, one of the county’s earliest challenges after he was elected was retaining law enforcement officers who frequently left for better-paying jobs with other agencies after receiving training at the county’s expense.
Knight recalled meeting with sheriff’s deputies shortly after taking office and asking what they needed. Their answers were more personnel and higher pay, but the county could not immediately afford both.
The decision was made to focus on increasing salaries to retain experienced officers.
According to Knight, starting annual salaries for deputies have increased from approximately $35,700 to more than $71,000 during his time in office.
The county now spends approximately $35 million annually on law enforcement, he said. When related judicial and incarceration expenses are included, the total approaches $55 million.
Knight said the cost of employing a deputy extends well beyond salary, with vehicles, equipment, uniforms, fuel, benefits and training bringing the total annual expense to approximately $120,000 per position.
New jail could break ground in January
Knight also provided an update on the county’s plans to construct a new jail, one of the largest capital projects in Liberty County’s history.
The county has secured approximately $110 million for the project, which will initially provide 500 beds with the ability to expand as future needs require.
“We got the money for it,” Knight said, addressing questions about whether funding was available.
Knight said construction could begin as early as January and is expected to take approximately two years.
The existing jail, built in 1995, has a capacity of 285 inmates. Because of overcrowding, the county currently houses approximately 150 inmates in facilities outside Liberty County at an annual cost of about $4.5 million.
Knight said the Texas Commission on Jail Standards has projected that Liberty County could need as many as 1,200 jail beds by 2040.
The new facility will be designed with future expansion in mind, including larger support areas such as the kitchen, laundry and infirmary.
The county also intends to retain its existing jail after the new facility opens, potentially converting it for juvenile detention needs in the future.
Knight said approximately $3.5 million has been spent renovating the existing jail over the past two years.
Transportation planning opens doors for funding
Transportation was another major topic during Knight’s address.
He said the county lacked comprehensive transportation plans when he took office, making it difficult to compete for state and federal funding.
Since then, the county has worked with the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) and engineering consultants to develop a mobility study and a thoroughfare plan.
Knight said those planning efforts are important because government agencies must demonstrate the need for projects before qualifying for many transportation grants.
“If you’re not at the table, then you’re on the menu,” Knight said, explaining why he became involved with H-GAC and its transportation committees.
He pointed to the long-awaited railroad overpass project in Dayton as an example of the time and coordination required to complete major transportation improvements.
Knight said approximately $72 million in grant funding has been allocated for the project, which has been years in the making.
He recalled meeting with Union Pacific officials, including the railroad’s chief executive officer, and being told that the project would require approximately 10 years because of planning and funding requirements.
Knight said the county is also looking at additional railroad overpass projects.
He encouraged residents to participate in upcoming transportation planning meetings, including an H-GAC public meeting scheduled for Nov. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Dayton Community Center.
“When we have these meetings, show up. Ask questions. Have some input,” Knight said.
Economic development and drainage remain priorities
Knight said the county also recognized the need for a formal economic development strategy to attract businesses and guide future growth.
Working with Texas A&M University’s Texas Targeted Communities program, the county developed its first strategic economic development plan in 2018. A subsequent plan was completed in 2022 and published in 2023.
He said the plans give prospective businesses and developers information about the county’s infrastructure, available land and development opportunities.
Drainage planning has also been a priority, particularly following Hurricane Harvey.
Knight explained that much of Liberty County’s relatively flat terrain presents challenges for moving stormwater, making regional planning especially important.
Using mitigation funding made available through the Texas General Land Office, the county has been working on and is nearing completion of a comprehensive drainage plan.
Knight said he expects that plan to be completed within approximately six months and made available to municipalities and other entities throughout the county without additional cost.
County budget nears $100 million
Knight also addressed the county’s financial position, noting that annual revenues have grown from approximately $35 million when he took office to nearly $100 million today.
Despite the increase in spending, Knight said the county’s property tax rate has declined from approximately 57.88 cents per $100 valuation to 54 cents.
He acknowledged that many residents have experienced higher property tax bills despite the lower county tax rate, pointing to the combined impact of multiple taxing entities and state tax policies.
Knight also criticized unfunded mandates from the state Legislature, saying counties are frequently required to provide services or meet new requirements without receiving additional funding.
He said the county maintains a healthy fund balance representing more than 30 percent of its annual operating needs.
“The county’s in good health,” Knight said.
Looking ahead, Knight said he expects county budgets to continue increasing as population growth creates additional demands for roads, law enforcement and other public services. However, he said future tax rates will depend on economic conditions and other factors.