County adopts budget, tax rate

Shackelford County commissioners agreed to make adjustments to the Courthouse clock chimes and added repainting of the fire escapes as a change order during a session on Monday, Sept. 10.

Later in the meeting, the elected officials adopted a budget of $4,184,823 and the proposed tax rate of 61.51 cents, both with no discussion.

They also voted to send an invoice for $25,000 to Callahan County as part of an agreement in a jail billing issue.

Clock Chimes

The Courthouse clock sounded again for the first time in five years last Wednesday, Sept. 5, but changes to the digital system were made Monday after elected officials agreed on adjustments.

Instead of the Westminster chime on each quarter hour as it was first programmed, the system will now sound once on the half hour and with hourly bells as it did in the past when the historical bell was actually struck.

Also, commissioners decided to turn down the volume during the day and mute it from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Courthouse Repairs

Alan Odom of Premier Metalwerks reported on the work left on the Courthouse repair list, which is primarily on the roof.

He also asked if commissioners wanted the fire escapes to be painted at a cost of $19,000 while contractors were in place to do the work, adding that about $5,000 would be left in the contingency fund if that change order was added.

Jail Billing

County judge Ross Montgomery stated that Callahan County officials had agreed to pay $25,000 for jail inmate charges over the past 12 months, an amount that had been offered as a “settlement” by local commissioners.

A proposed new contract with Callahan County will be reviewed by county attorney Colton Johnson before the commissioners vote on it.

Other Business

•The burn ban was lifted until further notice.

•A five-year electric contract with TXU was approved, as recommended by Bob Foreman of Priority Power Management.