The Brazoria County Commissioners Court unanimously passed a $207 million budget on Sept. 11 for fiscal year 2018-19 that added over $6 million for new personnel and raises.

With the help of rising property values and new construction, the county’s effective rate resulted in a reduction to $0.428 per $100 valuation, down from $0.44 in FY 2017-18.

“We are pleased once again to be able to provide the residents of Brazoria County with a reduction in the tax rate,” County Judge Matt Sebesta said in a release.

The new budget allocates $1.75 million for 31 new positions across the county, including law enforcement, as well as $4.3 million for a 2.13 percent cost-of-living salary increase for current staff.

“Thirty-one new employees is a lot,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Ryan Cade said before the vote to approve the budget. “I want us to continue to run lean and look for efficiencies as we grow as a county.”