NEWS
Commissioners to consider tax rate, budget on Monday
The Montague County Commissioner’s Court will conduct public hearings on the proposed budget for 2022-23 and the 2022 proposed tax rate at 8:30 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. on Aug. 22.
Those will be followed by the regular court meeting at 9 a.m. where both items will be considered for action. Prior to those votes, a budget workshop is scheduled to discuss any last-minute changes.
The proposed tax rate for 2022 is .503631 cents per $100 in property taxes. The 2021 rate is .56410. A large increase in property values has pushed the rates down. Commissioners opted for the voter approval rate, which means any amount over this rate could be subject to a rollback election.
The total proposed budget with all funds is $16,541,063. Of that amount $10,814,885 is the general fund. A copy of the draft budget is located on the county website, however, it has been changed since it was originally approved and posted.
The sheriff and constable fees for the new year will be presented, along with a slate of election judges for county elections for a one-year term starting Aug. 1. The order calling the Nov. 8 general election also will be approved.
Other topics Monday will include: Consider imposing an optional Department of Motor Vehicles fees for 2023; authorize the county judge to sign the home-delivered meal grant program from the Texas Department of Agriculture; consider moving to LGS hosted services; discuss the House Bill 3834 cybersecurity training certification for state and local governments online compliance report for 2022; map endorsement agreement with Liberty Marketing Company; consider proposal between Montague County and Comcell; consider demolition of the Sunset Fire Department building in Sunset on fire department property and debris removal; release construction bond on the Ranches at Blackjack Meadows and approve preliminary plat for lots 1-7 Lake Pointe in precinct four.
Hot and humid conditions will build on Wednesday and peak on Thursday, with widespread triple digit heat indices forecast. Those spending extended time outdoors will be susceptible to heat illness. Take appropriate precautions to avoid heat illness!
Several personnel issues including the superintendent’s summative evaluation and filling the vacant intermediate principal position face the Bowie School Trustees when they meet at 5:30 p.m. on June 16.
The superintendent’s review is usually done in two parts during the year with the summative an effort to evaluate overall progress. Donna Hale’s contract also will be considered. as she marks her first year leading the district.
For the intermediate principal’s job, Jason Childress left the post last month taking the new formed director of student services, which will handle many of the tasks the assistant superintendent handled such as curriculum and test scores. That assistant position was eliminated by the board after Lee Ann Farris left the job. Childress’ resignation has been submitted.
Filling the principal’s job and consideration of a rental agreement for a portion of the bus parking lot property also are set for executive session. Any action all these topics will be considered back in open session.
On the regular agenda, the board will receive the 2025 fiscal audit for Jack County. A small portion of the district runs into that county.
The superintendent will provide operational reports and personnel updates. Childress will present the preliminary STAAR scores and the status of board goals, while Paula Peterson, finance director, gives the monthly financial report.
Numerous annual items will be up for action: Contract for cafeteria software; budget amendments; consider the ESSA application, the Montague and Jack County Tax Appraisal District budgets; library books for the elementary; ESC 9 contracts and a Texas Association of School Boards policy updates.
The board also will consider offering open enrollment for pre-kindergarten students for the next school year.
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