The Caldwell County Fiscal Court had a busy agenda on Tuesday, approving new hires for the animal shelter, reviewing salary and budget increases for multiple county offices, and accepting a donation for the Veterans War Memorial.
Magistrates unanimously approved Judge-Executive Kota Young’s recommendation to hire an animal control officer and a kennel worker for the Caldwell County Animal Shelter.
Magistrates also approved the 2025 Fee Settlement at roughly $404,263, reflecting an 8% increase, according to Sheriff’s Deputy Office Manager Melissa Peek.
click to download audioIn addition, magistrates approved the 2026 estimated fee budget of $388,653 and set the Sheriff’s Office maximum salaries at $707,756, with Sheriff Don Weedman explaining the increase is to help attract staff.
click to download audioJudge Young noted that, after calculations, this year’s maximum salaries order is about $41,000 higher than last year’s.
In other action, magistrates approved the County Clerk’s Office’s maximum salaries for 2026 at about $355,600, with County Clerk Jennifer Hale noting a pay increase as well.
click to download audioJudge Young followed up by comparing the County Clerk’s 2026 fee budget and maximum salaries to those set in 2025.
click to download audioAlso during Tuesday’s meeting, William Perry, II, and two members of Mason Lodge #82 presented a $250 contribution to the Fiscal Court for the Veterans War Memorial located at the corner of the historic courthouse.
