Commisisoners approve budget and tax rate

Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, with County Judge Jay Elliott presiding. Commissioners present were Milton Albright (Pct. 1), F.A. Green (Pct. 2), Jason Willberg (Pct. 3) and Nita Wuebker (Pct. 4).  ADA Steve Sharp was present.

A public hearing was held on the proposed 2024-2025 Falls County Budget, elected County Officials, County Employees and adoption of salaries of County Employees. A proposed tax increase for 2024 tax rate is $0.73509 per $100 valuation. 

Commissioner Green moved to accept the formal adoption of the 2024-2025 budget. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, by a recorded vote, the motion was carried. 

Commissioner Green moved to ratify the property tax increase reflected in the 2024-2025 budget as required by Local Government Code 111.008. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, via recorded vote, the motion was carried. Commissioner Wuebker moved to adopt the total proposed tax rates. Seconded by Commissioner Wuebker, via recorded vote the motion was carried. 

According to Judge Elliott, “this budget will raise more revenue from property taxes than last year’s budget by an amount of $794,140 which is a 7.68 percent increase from last year’s budget. The property tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year is $313,678.” 

In other matters, Judge Elliott reported the bridge on Highway 77 in Chilton, weather permitting, will reopen between January and February 2025.  

Due to discretionary exemptions, Commissioner Green moved to authorize the purchase of the New Mower Max Boom Mower to be able to clear the county roads and county lands of fallen trees and branches which are impeding use of those roads without the need to advertise for bids.  Seconded by Commissioner Willberg, the motion was carried. 

Also approved was the execution of an equipment lease purchase agreement with Cadence Equipment Finance, a division of Cadence Bank. Public hearing for records archive fees has been scheduled for Oct. 14, 2024.

Sheriff and Constable fees were approved by the Commissioners. Additionally, Commissioners approved replacing the current security cameras at the jail with updated versions.  Grant updates were presented re: Falls on the Brazos Park. Commissioners approved to move forward with the grant application. Falls County will be responsible for 50 percent of the payment for the Playscape. Commissioners approved the payment of the Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool (TAC) claim deductible invoice including attorney’s fees.

Jeff Jackson presented the Road & Bridge Administrator’s progress report. There is an operation/foreman shortage and employees are continuing debris clean-up. There is a need for multiple burns as soon as possible. Commissioners approved the purchase of an excavation grappler requested by Jackson.

Concerning the approving of payment of bills, including reimbursements, transfers of cash or funds from any line item, Commissioner Albright moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Willberg, motion carried.  Commissioners approved the Aug. 26 meeting minutes. The next meeting will be Sept. 23 at 9 a.m.