TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – Three Smith County leaders join Blake Holland on this week’s edition of East Texas Politics on East Texas Now to discuss the upcoming county budget.
Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith discusses what he’s asking for in the next budget, including pay raises estimated to total around $5 million and more deputies. Smith explains the reasons behind his requests, including the office’s current problems recruiting and retaining deputies.
Smith County District Attorney Jacob Putman joins Holland to talk about lagging salaries and a lack of positions in his office — and what happens if he doesn’t get what he’s asking for.
Smith County Judge Neal Franklin also joins the conversation, saying he thinks the upcoming budget could be even tighter than the current one. Plus, Franklin addresses whether he thinks the commissioners court will have to raise the tax rate and why he thinks this year’s budget process will be smoother than last year’s.
About the show
East Texas Politics on East Texas Now streams Fridays at 6:30 p.m. with an encore presentation Sundays at 10 a.m. Viewers can watch at kltv.com/live or using the free KLTV or KTRE apps on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, or Android TV. The show is also available on demand after the Friday night stream.
About the host
Blake Holland is a news anchor and reporter for KLTV and KTRE. He anchors East Texas’ most-watched newscasts at 5 and 6 p.m. Since joining KLTV and KTRE in 2018, Holland has covered national political conventions, presidential visits, and interviewed gubernatorial and presidential candidates, plus extensive reporting on regional political news including weekly coverage of Smith County Commissioners Court.
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