By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Montague County Commissioners ratified a disaster declaration prepared by County Judge Kevin Benton following the spring storms that tore through the county on April 19-20.
Benton signed the declaration on April 23, but with the court’s ratification is formally declared and on the record. The judge explained to the court during Monday’s session that while state or federal disaster declaration has been made, having one for the county already in place puts it ready to move forward if assistance does become available.
It was noted the damage has to top $55 million before Federal Emergency Management Agency funding kicks in. Information also was provided that each storm incident on April 18, 19 and 20 have each been assigned as separate incidents, therefore, it is uncertain how FEMA might move ahead.

Read the full story in the May 1 Bowie News.

Montague County roads took a beating during the April 19 storms where roads like Black Road became a gully with rushing water. All roads have been passable, except Tage Road where a bridge has to be repaired. (Courtesy photo)

Members of the Montague County Commissioner’s Court will meet at 9 a.m. on April 28 in the courthouse annex.
Items on the agenda are as follows:
Discuss moving May 26 meeting to May 27 due to the Memorial Day holiday; consider approving engagement letter with Edgin, Parkman, Fleming an Fleming to do the outside audit; request unclaimed property capitol credits from the Texas Comptroller; discuss the tax collector refunding $20,000 to Bowman 2021 Irrevocable Trust for overpayment of taxes; consider waiving penalty and interest for Pumped Equipment; consider disaster declaration; discuss service agreement with Waste Connections Lone Star for waste bin at animal shelter; line-item transfer from contingency to non-departmental machinery and equipment of $100,000 to complete the animal shelter; line-item budget adjustment in precinct two of $100,000 and consider precinct two trading in a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 to NTX Trucks; discuss Smyrna Meadows Subdivision lots 1-12 29.44 acres in precinct two; consider petition to vacate Jay Gaston Road in precinct four; and open bids for emulsified asphalt and prime oil.

As severe weather season approaches, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar reminds Texans they can purchase certain items tax free during the state’s sales tax holiday for emergency preparation supplies, which begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, and ends at midnight on Monday, April 28.

“While we can’t know in advance when the next fire, flood, tornado or hurricane may occur, we can make sure our families, homes and businesses have the supplies they need to face these and other emergencies,” Hegar said. “Don’t wait for disaster to strike. I’m encouraging Texans to take advantage of this tax holiday to save money while stocking up for emergency situations.”

The Comptroller’s office estimates shoppers will save about $2.3 million in state and local sales taxes during the tax holiday, which was approved by the Texas Legislature in 2015.

There’s no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase. These include:

• household batteries, fuel containers and flashlights priced less than $75;
• hurricane shutters and emergency ladders priced less than $300; and
• portable generators priced less than $3,000.

For purchases made online, note that delivery, shipping, handling and transportation charges are part of the sales price. If the emergency preparation supply being purchased is taxable, the delivery charge is also taxable. Consider these charges when determining whether an item can be purchased tax free during the holiday.

For example, if you purchase an emergency ladder online for $299 with a $10 delivery charge, the total sales price is $309. Because the total sales price of the emergency ladder is more than $300, tax is due on the $309 sales price.

Purchases that do not qualify include:

• batteries for automobiles, boats and other motorized vehicles;
• camping stoves and camping supplies;
• chainsaws;
• plywood;
• extension ladders and stepladders; and
• tents.

A complete list of emergency preparation supplies that may be purchased tax free can be found on the Comptroller’s website.