Hays County officials are urged to shift their focus from reactive crime management to proactive prevention strategies, as highlighted in a recent government meeting. An intern from Prevention Science Corporation presented compelling data indicating that crime, disease, and poverty cost the county between $473 million and $947 million annually. This staggering figure underscores the need for a reevaluation of budget priorities.

The intern pointed out that the proposed FY 2025 budget allocates nearly $78 million to law enforcement and $30 million to the judicial system, totaling around $100 million for reactive measures. In contrast, funding for community and human services aimed at prevention is significantly lower, creating an imbalance that could perpetuate the cycle of crisis management.

The Prevention Science Projects' strategic implementation plan advocates for a "Pay for Success" model, which would allow the county to fund prevention programs without raising taxes. By leveraging resources from Texas State University, the plan aims to create a collaborative effort to address the root causes of these issues.

The intern's call to action emphasized the importance of investing in prevention rather than merely managing the consequences of crime and poverty. As the budget formulation period unfolds, Hays County officials are encouraged to consider these insights to foster a sustainable approach that prioritizes community well-being and long-term solutions.