WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS PROPOSE PROPERTY TAX INCREASE

  

The Washington County Commissioners Court proposed to increase the property tax rate to the effective rate during their meeting today (Tuesday).

The current property tax rate is 52.11- cents per $100 valuation, while the effective tax rate is 52.71-cents. When the new property value rates are taken into consideration, the tax revenue generated by the increase will remain the same. The effective tax rate is a six-tenths of a cent increase from the 52.11-cent rate.

Citizens spoke out during the meeting about residents and business owners having to pay more this coming year. Washington County resident, Vaune Yariger, made a call for the Commissioners to cut taxes. She said that citizens are tired of seeing their taxes going up, and it is the job of the Commissioners to combat tax raises as representatives of Washington County citizens. Yariger also called for County Commissioner meetings to be held at a time when more citizens would be able to attend.

Washington County resident, Allan Hutson, also spoke out about the tax rate. He called for the Commissioners to fight costs from the state that ultimately are handed down to residents.

The County Commissioners responded by assuring citizens that they did their best to cut where was possible. However, there are certain things that are put into the budget that are well received by the community including: better roads, more police, and top-notch EMS responders.  Commissioners went on to emphasize that the court is very conservative, and that they have cut a lot of spending.

The Commissioners stated that there would not be a public hearing held concerning the tax rate, since it the revenue generated is staying the same.

In other business, the Washington County Commissioners approved the request to close roads for a 5K walk/run fundraiser for the Rocky Creek Volunteer Fire Department. The fire department requested to close Longpoint Road from Bates Lane to Rehburg Road in Burton for the 5k fundraiser on September 24th from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The fire department hopes this event will promote fitness for the community as well as raise funds for the department.

The Washington County Commissioners Court also approved the maintenance grant contract between the Attorney General’s Office and Washington County for the statewide automated victim notification service. They voted to approve the renewal of the service agreement between Appriss, Inc. and Washington County for the Victim Information and Notification Everyday program (VINE). The VINE service allows crime victims to obtain timely and reliable information about criminal cases and the custody status of their offenders.

In addition, the court approved the revision of an emergency medical services supplement to the Washington County personnel policy manual. Revised sections of the manual include the employee orientation, general conduct, and uniform policies. The court went on to approve a variance request from subdivision rules and regulations for a land division fronting Lange Lake Road and Brindle Creek Lane in Brenham.