Connect with us

NEWS

Commissioners await second tax rate public hearing

Published

on

The Montague County Commissioner’s Court will conduct the last of two public hearings on the proposed tax rate at 8:45 a.m. on Aug. 26 prior to the start of the 9 a.m. regular court session.
At the first hearing on Aug. 22 there were no comments offered to the court. Montague County is considering a tax rate of .55 cents per $100 in property value, and while this is the same as the present rate due to an increase in values it is considered a 1.53 percent increase. It is projected to generate an additional $171,188 in ad valorem tax revenue this year.
Commissioners also have a budget workshop planned for Monday’s agenda. A draft of the budget proposal is available in the county clerk’s office.
At the last workshop on Aug. 16, the court changed a pay increase for county deputies providing a $2,000 increase for starting officers and $2,000 for the corporals. Previously the amount had been $5,000. The budget proposal contains a five percent pay increase for all employees.
A public hearing for the budget will be at 8:45 a.m. on Sept. 9, prior to the regular court session. The county’s fiscal year begins Oct. 1.
Other topics
Sheriff and constable fees will be examined by the court as the new budget year prepares to get underway.
A resolution to adopt the EVS 600 Voting System for Montague County will be reviewed, along with a contract with Scytle Software. This relates to the new voting machines.
A bid for a lot in Nocona will be considered, along with a $22,000 donation in precinct two for chip and seal for Key’s Landing and a revenue budget amendment in precinct one for $19,914.80 in unanticipated revenue.
The monthly veteran’s service office report will be given plus an update on the county mitigation plan.

Continue Reading

NEWS

Montague County juggles spending Senate Bill 22 funds

Published

on

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.

Lorra Lierly presented the proclamation naming April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. She was joined by local county child welfare board members, Child Protective Service staff, CASA and 2Engage Families. (Photo by Barbara Green)
Continue Reading

NEWS

Saint Jo ISD purchases 25 acres for long-term planning

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

NEWS

City of Saint Jo to try four-day work week for public works, sewer departments

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad

Trending