NEWS
Bowie Council fills board spots; addresses delinquent tax collection

By BARBARA GREEN
Bowie City Councilors filled spots on two of its boards and increased the penalty to defray the costs of collecting delinquent taxes at its Tuesday night meeting.
Tony Fidelie Jr.of Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins and Mott LLP, a Wichita Falls law firm that collects delinquent taxes for the city discussed amending its contract in two areas.
• Setting an earlier date for the early turnover of business personal property moving from July 1 to April 1. Fidelie explained this is property used by a business to generate income such as inventory, furniture, fixtures, etc.
When taxes go delinquent on Feb 1 under Texas law those taxes can be turned over to an outside law firm for collection on July 1 if they remain unpaid. The tax code was recently changed to allow the earlier date, which Fidelie said allows the firm to get a “jump start” on those accounts and “hopefully get them collected before businesses go out of business or inventory is otherwise liquidated.
• Raise the amount used to defray costs from 15 to 20 percent. When taxes are turned over on July 1 a 15 percent penalty is attached.
If someone owes the entity $1,000, the 15 percent ($150) is added to the bill. The firm collects the full amount giving the entity $1,000 and keeping the $150 to pay its bills.
Fidelie said the law is set up so the taxing entity does not have to pay for collection services or the taxpayers who pay on time.
In 2001 the legislature changed the rate to 20 percent. Fidelie said they are working with their other customers in Montague County to make this change in 2017 to accommodate increased expenses most businesses experience.
Read the full story in the weekend News.
NEWS
Non-profit clubs, groups invited to submit meeting or news brief for visitor guide

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.
NEWS
Lake Amon Carter, Selma Park remain closed
NEWS
Elder Abuse Awareness Month proclaimed in county

The Montague County Commissioner’s proclaimed June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month during its Tuesday session.
The court faced a brief agenda following the Memorial Day holiday. Kimberly Davis of the Adult Protective Services team for Montague and Clay County presented the proclamation. Working and living in Montague County, she said they handled 1,756 total cases last year and of those 162 were investigated in Montague County.
Davis explained elder abuse comes in many forms both physical, mental and financial, impacting men and women, old and younger and from all ethnic and economic backgrounds. Commissioners approved the proclamation and thanked Davis for her work.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
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