Property Taxes to Increase Next Year, Burn Ban in Effect, LIVINGSTON, September 10, 2013 - In Tuesday's (September 10) Polk County Commissioners Court meeting, decision making was in full swing as 2014 approaches. The biggest issue on the agenda was to the decision to "Ratify the property tax increase reflected in the FY2014 Budget". It passed. Although it was not a unanamous decision, Milton Purvis (Pct. 3) and Bob Willis (Pct. 1) were outvoted. "Don't raise the tax rate if we don't have to, and I don't think we have to." said Willis, but motion was carried as Commissioner Tommy Overstreet (Pct 4), and Ronnie Vincent (Pct 2) voted yes with Judge Thompson casting the deciding vote in favor of a tax increase. Willis insists that the current tax rate is more than adequate for county employee pay raises and that there was no need to increase taxes on the county's citizens.
The court also passed a county wide burn ban for non-incorporated areas (non-incorporated areas would mean outside the city limits of Livingston, Corrigan and Onalaska as they have their own municipal ordinances for proposed burn bans).
Another item that passed was a compensation increase for County Auditor, Assistant County Auditors and District Court Reporters.
In Old Business, Jay Barbie will be retiring effective October 31 of this year. Judge Thompson thanked Barbee for his years of service and dedication. The the retiring of Barbee leaves opening for a new Fire Marshall/Environmental Enforcement Officer. The application process is set to begin as soon as possible and will run until October 11. In other New Business the following agenda items were passed:
• Discuss and take any necessary action regarding constable warrant service program, to include guidelines and reporting requirements for the supplement eligibility, and a request from Precinct 1 Constable Scott Hughes regarding a proposal for a Truancy Officer.
• Consider approval of order setting elected officials salaries, expenses and allowances for the FY2014.
• Consider approval of order setting 2013 tax rate (to fund the FY2014 budget).*Consider information received from county Volunteer Fire Departments and receive status of drought conditions from Texas Forest Service to determine whether an order prohibiting outdoor burning in the unincorporated areas of the county is necessary to protect health and safety of the public.
• Discuss and take any/all necessary action regarding GLO IKE 2.2 disater recovery projects, including approval to adverise for bids.
Just a reminder that Polk County Commissioners Court Meetings are open to the public and are held every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 10 am.
