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.
The Nocona City Council gave its budget proposal a final once-over before setting a public hearing for it and the proposed tax rate for Sept. 9 at 8 a.m.
Council members also heard from Blake McNew who is against the recently approved fee and registration process for golf carts and related vehicles.
Last month the council approved an ordinance that set forth registration requirements for these vehicles with a $50 registration fee. After several close calls and complaints from downtown business people and citizens on near misses with ATVs and golf carts driving unsafely downtown the council took the step to add the ordinance.
City Secretary Revell Hardison said after some discussion the council asked for it to be back on next month’s agenda with possible consideration for repealing the fee. After some research she added a person can go through the state to obtain a license plate for these vehicles and the local sticker would not be needed.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
The staff of Texas Education Agency on Aug. 14 announced the release of 2026 A-F Accountability Ratings for public school systems and campuses across the state.
Almost all of the school districts in the county saw their district ratings increase or remain consistent, along with some of their campuses.
There were 1,202 districts and 9,105 campuses rated in 2026. Some 24% of both districts and campuses increased in rating compared to 2025.
Read the full story and see all the county ratings in your Thursday Bowie News.
2026 state accountability ratings
Bowie Independent School District – B, 80 of 100 points
Elementary/intermediate – C, 74
Junior high – B, 84
High school – B, 86
Bellevue ISD – A, 92
Forestburg ISD – B, 82
Gold-Burg ISD – C, 76
Montague ISD – A, 93
Nocona ISD – B, 86
Elementary – B, 80
Middle school – C, 79
High school – A, 94
Prairie Valley ISD – B, 88
Saint Jo ISD – B, 82
Elementary – D, 66
High school – A, 92
Friends of the Bowie Animal Shelter will host the annual Clear the Shelter event from 8 a.m. to noon on Aug. 22.
The shelter is located at 1508 E. Wise. While this is a nationwide effort to recognize the work of animal shelters, their staff and volunteers, this also is a chance to support their efforts by attending the bake sale, silent auction and food vendors.
Adoptable dogs from the Bowie shelter as well as Easy Street Shelter of Saint Jo, Lucky Paws in Nocona and McCares of Montague will be present.
If your family is considering adopting a pet this would be a great time to visit with the animals and meet the volunteers who can tell you a bit about the animals. Prospective volunteers also are welcome, so ask your questions.
Staff from Cross Timbers Vet will be giving reduced price vaccinations.
There will be a prize drawing at noon for a bounce house and a Turtle Box speaker. Tickets are $5 each for a chance to win either prize. Drawing at noon.
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