County budget, tax rate to be proposed

By Melinda L. Lucas

A special meeting was scheduled at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 30 by the Shackelford County commissioners, who plan to propose a budget and tax rate.

The elected officials continued hammering out the 2019-2020 budget during a workshop following the regular session on Monday, Aug. 26. After it was decided that the rate needs to be set above the effective tax rate, commissioners planned Friday’s meeting in order to post required notices prior to the final vote in September.

Leasing Possibilities

Billy Hughes of American National Leasing gave commissioners an updated proposal and answered questions about leasing vehicles for the Shackelford County sheriff’s department.

No action was taken because the leasing vs. purchase options were being discussed during the budget workshop.

Indigent Burials

J.B. Sparks from Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home presented a proposal providing indigent burials, which fall to the county to fund, for $1,500 for “basic cremation,” with no traditional service.

Justice of the Peace James Breeden told the court that there is not currently a plan for indigent burials, and he would like to have a formal policy in place so the decision does not fall to him.

County judge Robert Skelton said that a policy would be developed. 

CR 179 Bridge

Precinct 2 commissioner Ace Reames reported that TxDOT engineers had made a couple of recommendations for repairing “cracked skirting” on a bridge on CR 179.

Rather than using rocks to shore up the bridge, commissioners wanted to check into the cost of using a more permanent cement repair plan.

Other Business

•The commissioners voted to consolidate all polling locations at the Courthouse for the Nov. 5, 2019 constitutional amendment election.

•Election judges were appointed for the 2019-2021 term.

•The July treasurer’s report was approved.