NO COMMENT IN FIRST PUBLIC HEARING ON WASHINGTON CO. TAX RATE

Josh Blaschke September 3, 2019

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Washington County Commissioners held a brief and quiet public hearing for the county’s proposed property tax rate at their meeting today (Tuesday).

(from left): Lifetime Learning members Margarette Boswell, Ann Kazee, Bonnie Brinkmeyer, Shirley Herring, Carol Muegge, Joanne Doherty, and Fredericka DeBerry with County Judge John Durrenberger (center), after commissioners proclaimed September 3rd through October 25th the official period for "Washington County READ".

No one from the public came forward to offer comment on the proposed rate of 49.5 cents per $100 valuation, which is lower than last year’s rate of 51.7 cents per $100. The rate is still expected to bring the county an additional $2 million in tax revenue due to higher property values.

Another public hearing on the tax rate is set for Monday at 5:15 p.m., in the Washington County Courthouse.

Also at today’s meeting, commissioners proclaimed September 3^rd through October 25^th as the official period for “Washington County READ”.

This is the 11^th year for “Washington County READ”, whose selection this year is “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer. The book is a true story about Kamkwamba, who as a teenager built a wind turbine from discarded materials to help bring electricity and running water to his small village in Malawi.

This year’s READ event is set for Friday, October 25^th at Unity Theatre, beginning at 6 p.m. Co-author Bryan Mealer will be at the event to autograph books, and there will be a dramatic reading of the book. On Tuesday, October 22^nd, the Simon Theatre will host a free showing of the Netflix adaptation of the book at 6:30 p.m.

Commissioners also:

Accepted a recommendation to appoint Terrance Harris, Jr. as the new Director of Information Technology. Commissioners said there were over 100 applicants for the position, and spoke glowingly of Harris’ experience and maturity. Commissioner Candace Bullock says she expects “great things” from Harris.
Approved formal notices from AMP NGL Pipelines, LLC, for a 12-foot natural gas pipeline on Boehnemann Road, Beckermann Road, and Adamek Road.
Approved formal notice from Verdun Oil Company for a temporary four-inch Frac water line encased with six-inch steel on Brandt Road in Precinct Four.
Approved formal notice for a road bore for a new service meter on Old Navasota Road by Corix Utilities, Inc. in Precinct One.
Approved a subdivision variance request for a land division fronting Old Chappell Hill Road in Precinct Two.
Approved a right-of-way permit for the Washington County Fair trail ride to be held on East Blue Bell Road.

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