Falls County Commissioners approve budget, place burn ban
The Falls County Commissioners approved the adoption of the 2021-2022 budget, ratification of the property tax rate reflected in the budget and adoption of the tax increase on Sept. 27.
The budget will raise more revenue from property taxes than last year’s budget by an amount of $537,073 which is 6.6 percent increase from the 2020-2021 budget. The property tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year is $142,739. The total proposed 2021 tax rate is $0.93061 to include Maintenance and Operations $0.75500, Interest and sinking fund obligations on debt $0.02861 and Farm to Market Lateral Roads $0.14700.
The Tax-Assessor Office reported the computer system is down and hopefully will be up and going by Oct. 13. This issue is at the state level. Those seeking in person vehicle titles and registration-related services may visit the Rosebud City Hall from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays. Jim Hanks gave an update on the completion of the courthouse renovation. A few concrete-related items are near completion with the north entrance reopening soon. The Court also approved to pay GrantWorks for water and sewer improvements in Chilton.
The Commissioners ordered that all outdoor burning is prohibited in the unincorporated area of the county effective Sept. 27 until Oct. 11. Violation of this Order is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500. It does not prohibit outdoor burning activities related to public health and safety that are authorized by the TCEQ.
Additional agenda items included the Interlocal agreement with the City of Marlin. As requested, the minutes reflecting the approval of the agreement were received. The county has yet to receive the agreement spending budget from the city. Commissioner Green indicated that he had reached out to the city for the spending budget.
Jeff Jackson, Road & Bridge Administrator, reviewed precinct work reports. The Court approved BancorpSouth to finance John Deere grader. After public comments, Jackson encouraged citizens to report concerns to R & B. The work schedule, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., was confirmed. Judge Elliott expressed thanks of appreciation to the R&B department for assisting with the move from the Annex to the Courthouse at the last minute.
The Commissioners approved the payment of bills, including reimbursements, late charges, transfer of cash/funds from a line item or department to another, book transfers and budget amendments. Judge Elliott explained Falls County reimbursed Bell County for an autopsy. Even though the victim’s demise occurred in Bell County, the alleged crime occurred in Falls County. He also reminded departments that spending over $500 should be approved.
The initial assessment of Falls County for purposes of redistricting evaluation was via conference call with John Redington, assigned attorney (Allison, Bass & Magee, L.L.P.) The Court approved in-person public workshop Thursday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. regarding the Order for Redistricting of Political Boundaries.
The minutes of the prior meeting of Commissioner’s Court were approved and the meeting was adjourned.