The Commissioners Court unanimously voted Tuesday to keep the same tax rate as this year’s rate for next year. The county is facing a deficit of about $3.1 million in its current budget and reduced property values following Tropical Storm Harvey.
County Judge Dean Crooks led the discussion concerning keeping the proposed tax rate at $0.542 per 100 dollars value. Commissioner John Gothia considered raising the tax rate slightly until the public hearings next month when the tax rate can be lowered, but not increased. When the vote was taken the whole Court approved keeping the same proposed tax rate.
The dates for public hearings on the tax rate were set for next month. The first will be Tuesday, September 11, at 6:00 PM, and the second hearing will be Friday, September 14, at 9:00 AM. Both hearings will be conducted in the Commissioners Courtroom of the Administration Building.
The Commissioners approved purchasing aviation fuel and two refueler trucks for the Orange County Airport. The cost will be $17,940 for a 1,000-gallon aviation fuel truck and a 2200-gallon jet aviation fuel truck both from Eastern Aviation. The vehicles are used and have five-year warranties including replacement vehicles being available at no charge if they break down.
The Orange County Landfill will revert back to operating hours similar to what they were prior to Tropical Storm Harvey beginning the last week of August. Instead of being open six days a week like it has been since Harvey, the landfill will be open three days. The Commissioners Court will consider establishing the three days of operation at its meeting next week.
The indigent income level for next year was approved to remain at 49 percent. Jennifer Haney the director of Orange County Social Services recommended the Commissioners keep the same percentage for the period September 1, 2018 through August 31, 2019.
The subdivision plat of Marsh Estates was approved by the Court. The housing addition is located in the city limits of Bridge City off FM 1442 west of FM 408. Bridge City and the Orange County Drainage District have reviewed and approved the drainage plans for the development.
A closed executive session to discuss personnel matters with Human Resources Director Lori Ardoin was held at the conclusion of the meeting. No action was taken though when the Court reconvened in open session.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
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