TRUCK PURCHASE AT COMMISSIONERS MEETING QUESTIONED
During Tuesday’s meeting, Washington County Commissioners approved the purchase of two ½ ton dual cab trucks for the County Engineer, Don Werth. The low bidder on the trucks was Caldwell Country at $21,545 each. KWHI has since received several emails questioning why a local dealer was not awarded the bid. The second highest bidder was Brenham Chrysler Jeep Dodge at only $62 more or just 3/10 of one percent higher. During the meeting, Werth, who announced the low bidder, did not reveal that Brenham Chrysler's bid was just $62 higher. When the Commissioners asked him about local bids, he just stated there were some within 3%.
We contacted County Judge John Brieden for his explanation. Brieden said that state law does allow commissioners to go with a local bid if it is within 3 percent of the lowest bid. He also said that he and the four commissioners where aware that local resident Jon Hill is a part owner in Caldwell Country, and therefore they consider it a local company. Brieden said because of this they had no issue with going with the lowest bidder.
The 40 comments on here have gotten WAY off topic…. The bottom line is, the court made a mistake….. PERIOD.. Caldwell County is NOT local…. I don’t care who’s feelings just got hurt, it is in Burleson County… When a Washington County entity needs bids for vehicles, they should go to LaRoche, Appel Ford, Brenham Dodge, or Tegeler Toyota…. (listed in no particular order) BOTTOM LINE. Your business is in Brenham, buy from one of the dealers in Brenham. Since our county has four dealers, those are the four you request bids from, not dealers in surrounding counties. Ag exemptions have nothing to do with this issue…
BR, I agree that these remarks have jumped the fence. Regardless, thank God for the American farmer, large or small.
BR – Very well said and it’s really sad but Brenham will continue to operate in this manner but let’s just pray everyone sleeps good at night. I say we go eat in Caldwell and send the receipts to the dealership and see if they like that aspect of business. I’m just joking so please do not again do not do this but let’s just stay a tight community that supports the kids and small businesses. At the end of the day the sun goes down and in the morning we do the same things again…
To everyone in disagreement with the commisioners court,
At what point to you is it more important for the county to go with the lower bid versus the local bid? Is it simply a percentage or a dollar value? The difference may have been $62 in this instance but in the future 3% could be much more. If buying localy is the priority, then no price would be too high to pay. We all know this isn’t possible because it would lead to higher taxes. If maintaining a budget is the priority, and all contract obligations are met, the lowest bid is the best choice. The lowest bid was the logical choice for the county budget and hopefully the choice in the future. If we throw out thought and only choose what makes us feel good, there would be no reason to go through a bidding process in the first place.
We need people in the courthouse who will be smart enough to buy local and if that means more costs… then have the sense to raise our taxes. The comments here prove most people here living now in Washington County will pay more taxes if it’s for their local interest…. if the county trucks cost more to buy local then raise the property tax rate. The city of Brenham is not skimpy like this county commissioners court thankfully.
This is a wealthy county, let’s clean house and bring in county leadership who will deliver everything needed by our Sheriff’s department, and use dollars wisely for tourism like helping fund our local Simon Theater. Truck bids are just one example…we need more aggressive spending to handle the needs of today’s Washington County.
If your thoughts are shared by most in the county, we would have democrats in every elected office and heaps of debt. I appreciate the commissioners’ fiscal conservatism and dream that someday city council will be the same.
Let’s talk about what is really behind many of these comments. The majority are well to do county residents living outside the city limits, many on more than 10 acres. These folks have a few hobby cows, lease out for hay production, wildlife area, etc, which in turn gives them up to a 50% property tax reduction. And, many are retired and their values are frozen at age 65. AND, many shop Amazon, or Costco, etc, you don’t see them schlepping thru local stores. So, what do they want from their county judge challenger? Increased law enforcement protections for their affluent properties, similar to what city dwellers enjoy, AND lower taxes. Now city folks pay on 100% value, PLUS city taxes. Which for many, equal BISD taxes on their annual bill. So question is, how will this substantial cost increase in protections be funded? Increases in property taxes folks. Except, the folks that benefit the most from increased protections will be paying the least, and we 100% value tax payers get the full bill. So if these commenters seem to think the entire problem is caused by purchases made by commissioners court? Sorry, increased tax revenue comes from an overall healthy local economy, and that starts with many GOOD paying jobs to increase the average wage. And with an Industrial Development board which doesn’t focus on protecting wage competition for homegrown businesses. The old guard made this bed, and now they don’t like the results. So let’s get real, we need a lot more changes other than commissioners court to fix this.
Yeah, it cracks me up that I pay more property taxes on an undeveloped city lot in Brenham than a wealthy family I know with three multi-million dollar homes on 300 manicured acres in the county. I like the folks, but I guess you gotta have that kind of money to get ag-exempt, wildlife-exempt, and a conservation easement. That’s why I keep writing that I’d like to see the appraisal district print two totals on my property tax statement — the amount I owe, and the amount I would owe if nobody in the county enjoyed any of those three exemptions.
If you don’t like farmers that feed the Country then stop eating. The rest of the Country will continue to thank God and farmers that keep food affordable for our Country.
Defensive much? I said nothing against farmers, and I wouldn’t have a problem with ag-exemptions if only actual farmers and ranchers received them.
Wow I need to get their names so I can use it to get my taxes lowered if they only pay $300 a year for taxes and have 3 houses because even with an ag exemption my taxes are $3000 with only one home!
Taxed Out, you will also need to qualify for the Wildlife Exemption and put part of your property into a conservation easement to enjoy the same benefits.
Actual farmers should be upset over abuse of the ag exemptions; people abusing that system means they pay less taxes, which means actual farmers pay MORE taxes.
When I take cows from my small herd to the auction barn, Brenham Livestock Auction welcomes me. I am not discriminated against just because I am a small farm business. The whole issue that has been brought up about ag exemption is ludicrous and shows a lack of common sense. However, I am not surprised since with the migration of people from the farm to the city, common sense has shrunk. Now, with the migration of city slickers back to the rural area, this lack of common sense, has obviously exploded. My advice, better for people to think you might be a fool, than for you to open your mouth and prove it. Hmmm, I believe another farmer previously said something like that too.
Not really. Farmers are glad when these out of towners want to keep the ag exemp. and we get to make hay on fields for just the cutting.
The ag-exemptions in question are those given to folks that don’t derive any significant income from agriculture, not “Part Farmers.” These folks are typically wealthy retiree transplants (or in Washington county I guess we now refer to them as ‘implants’ for some unknown reason), and they’ve never raised cows or driven a tractor. The example I mentioned is a solid fact; the 300 acres w/ 3 luxury homes and extensive new, high quality outbuildings originally paid around $30,000 a year in tax. Once they received all the exemptions, they pay right around $300 a year in tax, and they’ll proudly tell you about it, and show you their tax statement. They use the property twice a year for a total of about 2 weeks, and spend the rest of the year at their homes in California, New York, Georgia, and France. Their imported migrant-laborer caretakers run the place year-round. They don’t even lease to their neighbors for cattle; they keep a few Arabians and a couple goats on the place. There are many of these throughout the area. Given that the state tells Willy how much tax he has to collect, and he can only collect so much from these guys, who do you think makes up the difference? Does this clarify what my issue is, or are respondents to my comments going to continue to deliberately misinterpret my statements?
Okay, Happy Hay Maker, you’re right; the rest of us should just shut up and give you our wallets. I’m so proud to support such honorable, knowlegeable folks.
So the “Shop Local” campaign only applies to the rest of us and not elected officials?
Voters listen to KWHI to the recent Forum & what the candidates say about themselves. … how they will work for you. Its worth your time to listen to it. Candidates with many years of business experience & people skills & common sense is what the Candidates represent. It’s great to see early high voter turnout like this County has never seen in previous years. Everyone Vote.
Life Long Taxpayer of Washington County
The ultimate decision to purchase trucks out of town is the commissioners court, I think Mr. Werth is just getting thrown under the bus on this one, after all he did get five bids.
As far as the commissioners court, it is time to clean house!!!!!!!
Maybe term limits should be set for all elected officials.
I feel that once they are elected they forget that they are there to represent all taxpayers of Washington County and not just their own interest.
I’m not aware of any auto manufacturer in Washington County. 42,000 of our tax dollars will be going to Ford Motor Company or General Motors. About $1,000 will likely end up at Caldwell Country. I’m not opposed to or in agreement with the commissioners court’s decision but some of the commentators on this page need a reality check.
Mr Brieden and commissioners the web site is washingtoncad.org. I think you find out who really pays the taxes in this county . I don’t think you will find a Caldwell Country listed . You might find other local dealerships though. Taxes are one thing these are the same people who support our community in times of need . Our schools , fair and those in need count on these folks to give back and as we all know they always come through. Bad mistake ,just admit you made a mistake and people of this great community will forgive.
Folks just remember, it’s election season and several of these folks are running for election county judge, etc. Upset with this decision, make your voices heard at the polls and next county commissioner meeting!
Ever heard of “Shop Local”, Guys? Where do you buy your personal vehicles? Caldwell Country as well? Time to look into that one…
It’s time for people who can use common sense on the commissioners court, and not the good old boys. I’m also disappointed in Mr. Werth for not being more forthcoming in his response regarding the local bids.
What about upkeep on the vehicle?? Will the local dodge dealership be responsible for that or will the truck be driven to Caldwell each time something needs to be done? I agree. low bid or not, it should have been purchased here from a local dealer. I personally know some of the employees at Brenham Dodge, and I am sure they could have used the commission they would have made off this transaction!
Bad call County Commissioners…….
At the federal reimbursement rate of 54.5 cents per mile, it won’t take many 60 mile round trips to make up for the $62. Such a poor decision.
Jon is a really good guy and I’ve bought several vehicles from him (in BRENHAM) over the years and I will continue to do so. But come on judge, if you’re going to make this statement to justify your decision, I think you should back it up with a few more facts than that. If you’re going to consider this a “local” business, I personally would like to know how many Washington County residents are currently employees of Caldwell Country. If that number is greater than or equal to the number of Washington County residents working at any of the other truly local dealerships that put in a bid then you may have a leg to stand on with your comment. If not, you are just grasping at straws to justify this. To me this actually seems like a slap in the face to those owners and employees that work at those dealerships in Brenham. Maybe you should let them shop around to see where they can get the best deal on their taxes! I get it, you are trying to be fiscally responsible, but $62? SERIOUSLY $62??? The commissioners court could have held a freaking bake sale on the courthouse lawn and made up that difference.
Me and my father and 2 of my brothers and 3 guys from chappel hill live in brenham and work for Jon at Caldwell country and we do support by sending money to brenham FFA also meal tickets for all the clubs and Boy Scouts also me and my father spend over 15 grand at the county fair every year and yes that’s money I worked for from Caldwell country supporting your children and businesses and now I will be thinking twice about buying anything in this town
Well than do not buy anything from this town, if you are going to change spending money to support the kids in this community, then you were not doing it for the right reasons in the first place. So your argument is 7 people commute to Caldwell for a job and you buy meal tickets to this and that so you support the county. Guess what you live here, that’s part of life here. Brenham Dodge pays taxes, supports anything and everything that is asked of them, sponsor the Washington county fair rodeo, and employ way more than 7 people in this community. So call it what you want, 62.00 takes thousands away from LOCAL people.
I tried but truly can’t keep silent on this issue any longer…the whole point of keeping these dollars local is that the the money stays with a local business hence paying for local jobs!!! The explanation that someone local owns a company in another county is no explanation at all…Caldwell Country does not provide LOCAL jobs! Let’s not forget another point just as important…Caldwell Country does not pay local taxes! Remeber folks this same move was done in December as well, and if my source was accurate a local dealer was also, in that case, under the 3% threshold.
Perhaps this will help clarify. Caldwell Country employs many residents of Washington County. We have employees in Chappell Hill Brenham and Burton. These are LOCAL jobs and Ias well as the other employees pay LOCAL taxes in Washington County. We spend our money made from Caldwell Country to pay taxes support our youth and other fundraising endeavors. Our children attend school in Washington County and I am proud of any community leader that keeps the cost and the cost of ownership of a Chevrolet vs Dodge in mind when they spend my LOCAL taxes. Our local dealers spend thousands of dollars at youth auctions and advertising out of county. Is this not money they should spend locally? Of course not. Our communities overlap and we must conduct business accordingly.
Glen,
You’ve made excellent points 100%, and it is good for everyone to know more about how Caldwell Country supports our community. However, the points you made about how CC supports our community, these also apply to our local dealers in WC which I know you are aware. Additionally, the local dealerships not only support the local tax base through the brick & mortar dealership, which CC cannot say but let’s not forget that the county sales tax of 0.5% is also realized through the local dealership’s sales…of course the sales tax doesn’t apply in this particular sale but I am sure you can see the additional economic impact our local dealers make as oppose to one outside the county.
Whether it is a Dodge or Chevy that is neither here nor there – the main point, I believe, everyone is upset is that it would only have taken the county an additional $62.00 to re-circulate our tax dollars back into the community from which they came. When a local tax paying business is well under the 3% threshold, which in this case is only 0.034% difference, it seems only as a slap in the face. Had the Dodge bid exceeded the 3% then the point would be moot.
And if, in fact, a maintenance comparison was made between owning a Dodge or Chevy I think we would all like to have heard that from the start and would like to see those numbers.
This is exactly my feeling about this and I’m glad I bubbled in the right circle on my ballot! Candice, Good Luck!
Oh my…..now there are three different stories in the community as to this decision. Maybe the judge and the commissioners court should agree on which “story” you are going to give the taxpayers so it doesn’t sound and look like deceit!
Great price. Local favoritism aside, the low bidder won. That is competitive bidding. Sharpen the pencil next time.
You are absolutely right…competition is good!
However, $62 total cheaper bid is a good enough excuse to give the business to a dealer who does not pay taxes locally? Come on…
I think our taxpayers would agree that our additional $62 tax dollars would be well spent so that the dollars are re-circulated within the community from which they came.
So just because the owner is a local person that means it is considered purchased locally? What a crock!!! What a joke this is! Shame on you and your way of thinking Judge! I sure hope the words buy local are never heard from your mouth! What a sad excuse you have givin for this!
Decisions like these is why Brieden will be voted out as judge.
When all of the local people are voted out of office the local conservatives and local neighborly kindness will also disappear. So be careful what you wish for and who you vote for. Many implant politicians and government employees are wolves in sheep clothes. Small town values and ethics are already an endangered species here. It will very shortly be extinct. But, the conscious locals, have already tallied up. And know who the wolves are.
We know who the wolves are – when they have been voted out this Primary, because they are wolves!!
Ha ha Brieden is a implant
Our “small town ethics and values” don’t seem to be worth much now. $62 ??? Wow, that is something to be proud of. Maybe it’s time for a big change in local government. Not all candidates who are on the ballot are “implant politicians”. Vote wisely neighbors, we have some excellent choices on the ballot. Let’s put them in office!
It is time to vote wiser and not to make the same mistakes that the city of Brenham voters have made with city council and mayor. That is a prime example of what we don’t want or need anymore of. I’m glad I’m in the county.
Does being born and raised in Washington County make someone more fit to hold an elected public office in this county? I can tell you that my family has been in Washington County since at least the 1850’s and you probably would rather have someone with a better business mind than mine running things. This is not a statement for or against change in leadership in this election. I am only commenting that you have to look at more in depth than just the fact that someone is a native to Washington County.
Also just wanted to give you a heads up in case you didn’t know how many potential wolves are out there. How many friends do you have or just people that you know that work for Brenham State Supported Living Center, TxDOT, DPS, TPWD, Wash. Co. Sheriff’s Office, Wash. Co. Road and Bridge, Brenham P.D., Brenham City Utilities, just to name a few? All are government employees, are these people all wolves that cannot be trusted? I know my comment is a little ridiculous sounding but you are including a lot of people in that statement.
Please don’t take this as a personal attack, it’s just that I was a government employee many years ago. I don’t want anyone to think I am not or was not trustworthy because I worked for a governmental agency. I just wanted you to understand how your comments can implicate a whole lot of people.
I am once again amazed at how many people read but do not listen to what they read. They only read what they want to hear. I am a local government employee and I don’t consider myself an idiot. I am not in the elected pool. I do see misappropriated spending. I do see the wolves. I do not put myself in that pool of sharks. I could not defend the greedy wolves. I believe those that do defend the wolves just have a guilty conscious.