WASHINGTON CO. PRESENTS 2019-20 PROPOSED BUDGET
Washington County has released its proposed budget for review.
The 2019-20 budget projects a surplus of just under $175,000, with revenues estimated at $31.1 million and expenses at $30.9 million. The proposed budget’s surplus is more than double the current budget’s, which had just over $85,000 in excess funds.
According to County Judge John Durrenberger, revenues are up about $1.7 million from the current budget, while spending is up $1.6 million.
Higher oil and gas values, along with new construction, provided much of the increase to the county’s tax base. Durrenberger said the increased expenses are made up of new positions and vehicles for the Sheriff’s Office, and new positions for the Road and Bridge Department, District Attorney and Extension Service offices. He also said much more money was put in for road repairs.
The county has proposed a tax rate of 49.5 cents per $100 valuation, two cents below the current rate of 51.7 cents per $100. Despite the lower rate, the county is expecting to see an additional $2 million in tax revenue—a 12 percent increase over last year’s budget—due to higher property valuations.
Public hearings on the tax rate and budget are set for September 3rd at 9 a.m. and September 9th at 5:15 p.m., both in the Washington County Courthouse Chambers. The budget is currently scheduled for adoption in commissioners court on September 17th.