County tax rate, budget adopted

By Melinda L. Lucas

After holding the required public hearing prior to their 9:00 a.m. session, Shackelford County commissioners adopted the proposed budget and tax rate at a meeting on Monday, Sept. 26.

A couple of people from the general public were present to “observe” the process, but there was no opposition or comment voiced on the proposals.

Elected officials also acted on a number of other routine items in a long agenda.

Budget Okayed

A $4,559,769 deficit budget proposed at the Sept. 12 session was approved unanimously without discussion by all five voting officials, including county judge Robert Skelton.

Expenditures are $150,156 more than last year’s budget, and include a 5% cost of living increase for county employees.

The motion to pass the budget, which takes effect Oct. 1 when the new fiscal year begins, was made by Lanham Martin.

Tax Rates Approved

The budget is based on a combined tax rate of 63.65 cents, calculated to generate $3,666,626. It is less than last year’s rate of 65.06 because of higher valuations. However, the hearing was required because the rate is higher than the “no new revenue” rate of 60.69 cents.

The tax rate was approved in two separate motions.

The interest and sinking (I&S) portion of the tax rate, 6.65 cents, to pay the county’s debt service, was adopted on a motion by Cody Jordan. Jordan also voiced the motion to approve the maintenance and operating (M&O) rate of 57 cents.

Both motions passed unanimously on 5-0 votes.

Other Business

•Commissioners changed the payment of already approved “premium pay” to county employees to be paid at two separate times instead of one lump sum in order that withholding amounts be kept to a minimum. The overall payout did not change.

•A retainer agreement for civil work from Rollin Rauschl was tabled pending more information. The commissioners also expect to receive a similar agreement from local attorney John Montgomery.

•The sheriff’s and constable’s fees for 2023 were approved.

•Bid notices for bulk fuel and for maintenance of the Courthouse lawn and two county cemeteries were approved.

•There was no action on the burn ban, currently active.

•Skelton said that work on the parking lot would begin as soon as the ongoing civil trial at the Courthouse is over, possibly this Friday.