COUNTY LIFE
Commissioners to wrap up budget, tax rate
Montague County Commissioners plan to wrap up their budget and tax rate for the new fiscal year when the court meets on Sept. 9 for two separate meeting agendas.
Starting at 8:45 a.m., there will be a public hearing for the 2019-20 proposed budget. The court is considering expenditures of $9,363,161 in the general fund with projected revenue at $9,394,044.
The expense budget for each of the road and bridge precincts are as follows: Precinct one, expenses, $875,119 and revenue $884,351; precinct two, $917,023 and $929,351; precinct three, $1,081,188 and $1,094,351 and precinct four, $1,058,274 and $1,094,351.
Some of the big additions to the budget this year include a five percent pay increase for all employees, $2,000 in additional pay for sheriff’s deputies and sergeants. There was some new software added in the county treasurer and auditor’s offices, plus replacements of computers in some of the other offices.
The regular meeting agenda starts at 9 a.m. There is a budget workshop scheduled for any final changes, followed by consideration of adopting the budget and the proposed tax rate of .55 cents per $100 in property value.
While this is the same rate as last year, due to the increase in property values it is considered an increase of 1.53 percent. It is projected to generate an additional $171,188 in ad valorem tax revenue this year. A copy of the proposed budget is available in the county clerk’s office.
Several routine monthly items are on this agenda: Veteran’s service office and sheriff’s office activity report for August, approval of the Texas Association of Counties Liability Renewal Questionnaire and consent agenda of bills, payroll and minutes.
A joint election agreement with the City of Bowie and Bowie Independent School District for the Nov. 5 elections will be presented.
The court will consider distribution of the unclaimed property capitol credit funds from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
A bid has been submitted by Marja Properties for a tax sale for lot 55 in Nocona Hills and a final plat has been prepared for lots 1-11 in Cherokee Trails. In another property issue Steve Spurlock has asked to run a water line around the county right-of-way on Carter Court in Silver Lakes.
The final items are acceptance of unanticipated revenue of $500 to the sheriff’s office from Texas State University and $10 donated to the tax office.
Montague County Commissioner’s Court will meet at 9 a.m. on Nov. 25.
Members will consider an anti-fraud policy and adding it to the personnel policy. The annual liability renewal with the Texas Association of Counties Risk Pool will be reviewed.
Montague County officials will be enrolling in the TAC 2025 certified cybersecurity course required by the state for all employees who use county computers.
Other topics for Monday will include the bond for the county treasurer, review an account application with Schad & Pulte Welding Supply, Inc and consider raising the road hand clothing allowance from $500 to $1,000.
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
It was family night for the City of Bowie Fire Department as members gathered for the annual pre-Thanksgiving awards dinner this week.
Firefighter of the Year awards, service awards and officers and firefighters were pinned with their new badges.
Fire Chief Doug Page opened the evening with a remembrance of a fallen firefighter, James Dunham who died 25 years ago on Nov. 18. This Saint Jo firefighter was responding to a car accident at Forestburg and after he arrived suffered a heart attack. Page noted his daughter is auxiliary member Renee Hart.
Chad Long, member of the department for one year and one month received the Firefighter of the Year Award. Kelly Tomlin, nine-year member, was selected by the volunteers to receive the Roy Gene Williams Award.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News.
Top photo- New lieutenants Michael Burrows and Chad Gerlach received the oath from Mayor Gaylynn Burris. (Photo by Barbara Green)
The new Montague County Animal Rescue, which will be helping with operation of the new county animal shelter, invite you to “Wine Like A Dog” on Dec. 3 at Kimber Creek Wine Bar and Gift Shop in downtown Bowie.
The evening will include wine and charcuterie from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., while raising funds for the rescue organization. Tickets are $50.
Melanie Gillespie of Montague County Animal Rescue said the new 501c3 has completed its agreement to work with Montague County operating the animal shelter.
“Your support enables us to launch the opening of the first county-run animal shelter. We invite you to join our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and finding loving homes for animals in need,” said Gillespie.
Limited tickets will be offered at the door based on availability. Those with questions may call Gillespie at 469-951-0215 or email [email protected].
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