WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS PROPOSE TO KEEP CURRENT TAX RATE
Washington County Commissioners opted to maintain the current property tax rate at today’s (Tuesday) meeting.
Commissioners voted to keep the tax rate at $0.5171, the same as last year, but one cent lower than 2016’s rate. The effective rate was presented at $0.5089, with the rollback rate being $0.5622.
Of the tax rate, $0.3783 goes to the general fund, $0.1208 to county road and bridge, and $0.018 to debt services. Even though the rate remains the same, the county will still receive additional revenue due to higher property values.
Commissioners also set public hearing dates for the proposed rate. The first hearing is set for Tuesday, September 4th during regular session, with the second scheduled for Monday, September 10th at 5:15 p.m.
In other items, commissioners approved a memorandum between the county and A&M AgriLife Extension Service for Information Technology services. Washington County Extension Agent Kara Matheny said this is a continuation of an agreement over the past two years, which is partially funded by both the county and state.
The court also approved the renewal of a hunting and grazing lease for county-owned land in Tom Green County. The 8,352 acres of land is located between Strain Ranch and Washington County. The lease lasts for five years, at a charge of $8.51 per acre. The Brenham and Burton school districts will receive revenue from the property.
Commissioners also approved the grant contract between the county and the Attorney General’s Office for the statewide automated victim notification service. They approved the renewal of the service agreement with Appriss, Inc., for the Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) program. With VINE, crime victims can be notified when information about pertinent criminal cases becomes available. The grant, totaling $16,955.37, comes from the state and goes to the network.
In addition, commissioners permitted the purchase of a new tractor for the county Fairgrounds, from WCTractor Kubota. County Judge John Brieden said the 5-year, 0-percent interest contract only required the trade-in of the old tractor as down payment. Brieden said the county won’t need to begin making payments on the tractor until next August.
Commissioners also approved a pair of road bores on Old Navasota Road and West Briarwood Drive, and two variance requests for land fronting Lucky Lane and Nixon Lake Road. They also approved a temporary above-ground waterline in the right of way of Ganske Road. County Engineer Ross McCall said the waterline will be used for about 90 days.
The court also received the monthly reports from the Sheriff’s Office, county 911, Information Technology, EMS, and Veterans’ Services.