COUNTY LIFE
City of Saint Jo puts final touches on budget, tax rate
The Saint Jo City Council put the final touches on its 2025-2026 budget and tax rate scheduling hearings for both items on Sept. 10.
At the Aug. 14 meeting, aldermen reviewed and updated the budget proposal from the recent budget workshop. The council has created a balanced budget of $1,672,706.05.
In the budget the council added one full-time and one part-time public works staffer. An additional $72,959.44 was added to capital improvements that will be split between streets and other infrastructure needs.
Health insurance costs went up $33 per person, but the city’s property liability insurance remained the same. An executive session had been schedule for personnel matters, but the council cancelled it.
The proposed tax rate is .519223 cents per $100 in property value broken into .363740 for maintenance and operation and .155483 for debt service. The present 2024 tax rate is .513334.
Budgets from the 4A and 4B Economic Development Corporation boards also will be considered on that date.
In other topics from last week’s meeting, the council tabled discussion on the historical preservation advisory board awaiting additional information as the board is reorganized.
A request from the Saint Jo Public Library volunteers was approved confirming the ongoing financial support from the city in its budget at $3,000. The library team updated the council on its accreditation process and that financial support is a big part of it.
Grant Wills was appointed as a new member of the 4B Board.
Inside today find a special section Remembering 9/11 on the 25th anniversary of this pivotal day in America’s history.
This section provides an hour by hour account of that day to inform those who may not familiar with the details. We pay tribute to all those who faced the attacks and helped save those in danger from all walks of life. May this tribute remind you of all America lost that day and how the country moved forward.
Area young people from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to take part in the Art of the Song Young Visual and Performing Arts Exhibition on Oct. 10 during the annual music festival in Nocona.
Entry is free and artists may enter up to three pieces of artwork. One entry must be music-related, while the other two can be any art medium or genre. Drop-off artwork from noon to 6 p.m. on Oct. 7 at 103 Clay Street.
Art will be displayed starting at 10 a.m. on Oct. 10. Those with questions may call R. Marie Molsbee, 940-887-0165 or horse.power.ranch.nocona@gmail.com.
The performing arts portion will be at Bitters & Sweets, 206 Clay Street. If you have a child who loves to sing, dance or play an instrument or perform? Let them share their talents in a performance at the Art of the Song.
Those interested in the performing arts program may contact Carla at 940-765-5619 or carlad@bittersandsweetsbar.com.
The staff, board of directors and volunteers of Tales ‘N’ Trails Museum are making plans for the group’s major fundraiser, “Shebang” on Sept. 26.
This year Shebang will join in all the celebrations for America’s 250th birthday.
Mark your calendar when the doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and $350 for a table of eight. Shebang takes place in the H.J. Justin Building at 100 Clay Street.
The evening will feature a dinner prepared by local chefs, fun games where you could win a prize, live and silent auctions, plus the popular bucket auction where you never know who will win. A new menu is being served that will feature prime rib, roasted sweet potatoes, hominy casserole, broccoli salad and strawberry shortcake.
Reservations are being taken now, just call the museum at 825-5330. Proceeds from the Shebang help pay for annual operating costs of the museum. Call 825-5330 to purchase tickets, also visit the website at talesntrails.org to see auction items and learn more about the museum.
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