Only five of 21 positions were approved for a higher classification by the Commissioners Court Tuesday. Commissioners David Dubose and John Banken wanted to approve all 21 for reclassification, but were defeated by the other members of the Court. All 21 were then considered separately with those being approved all but one was unanimous. Of the 16 that were denied a higher reclassification the vote was 3-2 on all except one which was the Administrative Assistant to the County Judge which died for a lack of a second to Judge Brint Carlton’s motion for reclassification.
The Court approved a proposed tax rate of 60.32 cents per 100 dollars value which is an almost six cent increase from the current tax rate. Commissioners Dubose and Banken pushed for the higher tax rate since they can always lower it before adopting it, but could not raise it above the proposed tax rate. They were joined by Commissioner Barry Burton, while Judge Carlton and Commissioner Jody Crump opposed the higher rate.
No action was taken on a proposal to make a down payment to Way Services start work on the County Jail kitchen’s air handler. Way is expected to start work on the jail and other county buildings in October at the beginning of the new fiscal year.
The Contingency Fund which is used to purchase capital outlay items was boosted by the Commissioners Court making several line item transfers from four county departments. Surplus funds from various accounts in those departments totaling $122,689.00 were moved to Contingency. The Court then approved purchases of several items, including two copiers and a shredder, for $122,746.00.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
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