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.
Take time to remember all those who gave all for our freedoms in America. The Bowie News staff wishes you a safe and happy holiday day weekend this Memorial Day. The News office will be closed on Monday for the holiday.
AUSTIN – With Memorial Day weekend marking the unofficial start to summer boating season, Texas Game Wardens are preparing for one of the busiest boating weekends of the year and reminding Texans and visitors alike to put safety first before heading out on the water.
In 2025, Texas recorded 178 reportable boating incidents that resulted in 50 fatalities and 77 serious injuries. Eighty-four percent of those who died in boating incidents were not wearing a life jacket. Texas Game Wardens also made 223 Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) arrests last year.
“Memorial Day weekend is when many families get back on the water for the first time this year,” said Col. Ron VanderRoest, director of Law Enforcement for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “Before you leave the dock, take a few minutes to make sure your life jackets are on board, your boat is properly equipped and you have designated a sober operator.”
Texas Game Wardens encourage boaters to keep the following in mind before launching:
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Children younger than 13 are required to wear one while underway.
- Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- The operator must wear the lanyard or have the engine cut-off switch fob on their person when operating a boat equipped with one.
- Operate at a safe speed and maintain a proper lookout.
- Take a boater education course. It is required for anyone born on or after Sept. 1, 1993.
- Check the weather before heading out and be prepared for changing conditions.
- Leave a float plan with someone you trust.
- Don’t overload your boat.
“Boating should be fun,” said VanderRoest. “A little planning and some common sense help keep it that way.”
Renting a Boat or Personal Watercraft
If you plan to rent a boat or personal watercraft, choose a licensed vessel livery (a business establishment engaged in renting or hiring out vessels for profit).
By law, vessel liveries must provide all required safety equipment, explain how to operate the vessel, review applicable boating laws and have the operator sign a form acknowledging they received this information. They are also required to carry liability insurance.
Before leaving the dock, renters should make sure the vessel has enough life jackets for everyone on board and that they understand basic operating rules, including those specific to personal watercraft.
Personal Watercraft Safety
Personal watercraft, including jet skis, are subject to special laws in Texas. Operators and passengers must always wear a life jacket, the operator must use the engine cut-off switch, and these vessels may not be operated between sunset and sunrise. Operators must also stay at least 50 feet from other vessels, people and the shore unless traveling at headway speed.
“Whether you’re launching your own boat or renting one for the day, take the time to understand the rules and make safety part of your plan,” said VanderRoest. “If you take safety seriously from the start, you’re far less likely to need help later.”
For more information about boating laws, required equipment and boater education courses, visit the TPWD Boater Education Program at tpwd.texas.gov/boatereducation.
Starting at noon on May 25 at The V (VFW) in Nocona there will be a program for the Memorial Day featuring speakers, cannons and a rifle team.
There will be a Memorial Day Celebration Dinner at 5 p.m. on May 25 at the Nocona Senior Citizens Center (Carpenter Shop).
Call for reservations at 940-825-3148. The meal will include barbecue ribs, french fries, beans, cole slaw, dessert and ice team. Adults are $10 and children $5.
Proceeds benefit the senior center and the Meals on Wheels program at Nocona.
-
NEWS3 years agoSuspect indicted, jailed in Tia Hutson murder
-
NEWS4 years ago2 hurt, 1 jailed after shooting incident north of Nocona
-
NEWS3 years agoSO investigating possible murder/suicide
-
NEWS3 years agoWreck takes the life of BHS teen, 16
-
NEWS3 years agoMurder unsolved – 1 year later Tia Hutson’s family angry, frustrated with no arrest
-
Show us something good9 years agoCountry music star children perform in Bowie
-
NEWS3 years ago
Sheriff’s office called out to infant’s death
-
100th Birthday4 years agoLooking back at the 1958 Centennial edition of The Bowie News