NEWS
Power or tax rates: Does it add up?
The questions come up almost every year when the City of Bowie starts debating its budget.
Why are electric rates so high?
Why can’t they be lower?
It was April 1991 when the City of Bowie decided to build its own substation. It was completed in 1992. The consensus of the city council was electricity use can be controlled by residents to some extent, while property taxes cannot.
So instead of raising taxes to take care of increased city operational costs, the council opted to adjust electric rates.
Through the ensuing years tax rates have rising slightly each year, but they have never caught up to electric revenue, which is the primary revenue generator for the city.
Utility revenue contributes $9.3 million to the city budget, while general fund revenue has $6.8 million revenue with $8.5 million in expenses.
Of that, $1.83 million is budgeted for transfer into the general fund to fund its operation.
General fund revenue includes ad valorem taxes, sales tax, franchise taxes, rents and royalties, fines and assorted other fees.
Ad valorem taxes are budgeted at $1,244,706 in the 2015-16 budget, while sales tax is budgeted at $1,459,299.
The Bowie News posed this question to City Manager Ricky Tow: What tax rate would be needed to make up for the utility fund transfer that goes to the general fund?
Read the full story and examine some hypothetical rates in your weekend News.
Be alert, recent uptick in phone scams. Scammers are contacting people and falsely claiming to be law enforcement officers, alleging the individuals they contact face immediate arrest unless they provide payment in some form (i.e. gift cards, cash transfers, etc.).
Key Points:
* The Montague County Sheriff’s Office never solicits payments over the phone to resolve legal issues. Any communication requesting such payment is fraudulent.
* Scam Tactics: Scammers often use convincing language and may even impersonate real Deputies/ Officer’s or use spoofed phone numbers to appear legitimate.
* Protect Yourself: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a Deputy or representative of law enforcement demanding payment, do not comply. Instead, hang up immediately and contact the Montague County Sheriff’s Office directly to verify the call’s authenticity.
* Vigilance is Key: Stay vigilant and cautious when answering unsolicited phone calls. Never provide personal or financial information to unknown callers. Discuss this warning with family members, especially seniors, who may be more vulnerable to these scams.
The Montague County Sheriff’s Office is committed to protecting our community from fraud and scams. By staying informed and exercising caution, we can collectively combat these deceptive practices and prevent financial loss.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Bowie Police Department
Bowie Police also reported a possible warrant phone scam and posted this message on its Facebook page earlier in the week.
An individual contacted the Bowie Police Department and advised that he had received a phone call from one of our officers. The conversation stated that a warrant was obtained for his arrest and he needed to turn himself into the Montague County Sheriff’s office. This department has not been calling individuals and advising them of warrants. If you receive a call, contact us at 940-872-2251 to confirm if the call is legitimate.
Calling all Montague County clubs, organization and community groups, if you would like to have a brief on your non-profit group included in the 2025 Montague County Visitor’s and Newcomer’s Guide free of charge please submit it to editor@bowienewsonline.com. Deadline is June 6. Please include i.e , regular meeting dates, locations, time, dues, and contact phone or email. Don’t miss an opportunity to be in this award winning publication.
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