NEWS
Certified values drop by more than 15 percent for the county
By BARBARA GREEN
The three incorporated cities in Montague County were the only entities to keep their property values above water for 2016 as the 11 others saw their certified values drop significantly due to falling mineral values.
The energy downturn began to show itself in 2015’s property values when Montague County values alone fell by 4.02 percent. Values driven upward five years prior by oil and gas production, were going the opposite direction as the industry slowed to almost a stop in 2016 where values have fallen more than 15 percent.
Kim Haralson, chief appraiser of the Montague County Tax Appraisal District said after the preliminary values and projections from the mineral appraisers the certified values came out about where they expected.
Read all about the certified property values in the weekend News and see the related chart for a multi-year comparison.
NEWS
Montague County juggles spending Senate Bill 22 funds
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
April was proclaimed as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Montague County by the commissioner’s court on Monday.
A large group of representatives from the Montague County Child Welfare Board, 2Engage Family Service, Child Protective Services and Court Appointed Special advocates filled the courtroom to present the annual proclamation, which was read by Lorra Lierly.
This month of awareness informs the public about the fight against child abuse in all its forms and at all ages of children, plus its impact on families. Those who wish to report possible concerns can call a hotline at 800-252-5400.
It was a relatively brief agenda of business for the court Monday.
They made some changes to how the Senate Bill 22 grant funds will be spent in the county attorney’s office.
SB22 created a grant program that provides financial assistance based on population to sheriff, district and county attorney offices to ensure professional law enforcement and legal representation of the people’s interests throughout the state. The court approved how it will be spent through the county attorney’s office hiring an investigator to serve that office plus others.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
NEWS
Saint Jo ISD purchases 25 acres for long-term planning
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
In an effort to bolster long-term planning, the Saint Jo Independent School District Board of Trustees recently approved the purchase of 25 acres on the west side of the city.
School officials made the announcement in a press release just as the district went on spring break, calling it “a significant milestone in the district’s commitment to providing high-quality education and meeting the needs of its growing student population.”
“We are pleased to announce the acquisition of this valuable land, which will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education in Saint Jo ISD,” stated Leeton Phillips, president of the Saint Jo ISD School Board.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
NEWS
City of Saint Jo to try four-day work week for public works, sewer departments
The Saint Jo City Council approved a 60-day trial of a four-day work week for the public works and sewer departments, but the city office staff will keep their present hours.
According to the March 13 minutes Public Works Director Marty Hilton made the request to change the work week. The council went into executive session to discuss personnel, and back in open session voted 5-0 to try a 60-day trial for the four-day work week for public works.
Two employees will work Monday-Thursday and the other two will
work Tuesday-Friday. It is up to the employees to determine the work schedule that will go from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting March 29.
Read the rest of the story in the mid-week Bowie News.
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