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.
COUNTY LIFE
Murder mystery comedy opens this weekend

The cast and crew of “A Family Reunion to Die For,” has been busy rehearsing for their murder mystery dinner theater production on May 30 and May 31.
The reunion soon turns sour with murder at a western-style bed and breakfast in the tropics.
Purchase tickets online at https://www.bowieallianceforeducationandthearts.com/events-1.
Show times are 6:30 p.m. on May 30 and May 31 with an afternoon show at noon on May 31 all at the Freedom Life Church. There will be live and silent auction.
All proceeds benefit Montague County students for scholarships in the arts. Come support these thespians.

Top photo – Rehearsals have been underway this past week for the new murder mystery dinner theater of the Bowie Alliance for Education and the Arts. (Photos by Barbara Green)
COUNTY LIFE
TxDOT making speed limit change in Nocona area

Speed limit changes are being put in place on FM 103 North of Nocona. The 60-mph zone is being pushed North of Grayson Street.
As part of the transition, the 45-mph speed limit will be extended just North of the Texas New Mexico Power Office. Drivers see 50 mph signs up to Grayson Street where it becomes a 60-mph zone.
Portable message boards were placed on FM 103 on May 27 to advise motorists of the upcoming changes. The new signs will be unveiled and be enforceable starting June 3.
Citizens and officials with the City of Nocona requested the changes. They were approved by the Texas Transportation Commission in April.
Drivers should be prepared to watch and observe these new speed limits signs in Nocona. Drive safely in Montague County.
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