Small Town News

Commissioners making last minute budget adjustments

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Continuing to make adjustments in the budget to the last minute, the Wharton County Commissioners approved a budget proposal and maximum proposed tax rate for publication during Monday's meeting in anticipation of approving both items when they next meet in regular session on Monday, Sept. 28.

Following the public hearing, which begins at 10 a.m., the commissioners will then vote to adopt the proposed budget and a proposed tax rate of 54.376 cents per $100 property valuation, the county's effective tax rate as calculated by the Wharton County Central Appraisal District. That rate is slightly lower than the 54.584-cent tax rate for the current year.

As part of the Monday's meeting, the commissioners held a final budget workshop session and added $50,000 to the Department of Public Safety Budget for the construction of a metal building canopy over the county's weigh station along US Highway 59.

"With a new Intermodal train yard, we can expect more truck traffic on the highway as well," Wharton County Judge John Mur-rile said. "Most of the other weigh stations in the area either are closed down or uncovered. I think it is in the best interest of the county to make sure we have a weigh station available to monitor what is moving through our area."

The commissioners also approved upgrading one part-time position in the District Attorney's office to full-time as well as reaching an agreement with HalfF and Associates to assist the county in arranging public meetings concerning the proposed county drainage district.

"Because of those late changes, we don't have the final numbers compiled for either revenues or expenditures," the judge said. "But we did set the date for the public hearing for 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 28 and we do have a proposed tax rate for the coming year. The deadline for approving a budget and tax rate is by the end of the month. I hate having to wait until the last minute to approve a budget but it seems that is the way it is. No matter how early we start, it always ends up being at the last minute."

Another item that will eventually impact the county budget, the commissioners approved collecting an additional fee not to exceed $10 in county court. County Clerk Sandra Sanders said the fee was created during the most recent legislative session and applied to civil filings only.

The fee will go into effect starting January 1 and the fees collected will go toward records preservation.



Copyright 2009 East Bernard Express, East Bernard, Texas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2009 East Bernard Express East Bernard, Texas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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