WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS DISTRIBUTE 2022-23 SCHOOL LAND REVENUE
Brenham and Burton ISDs will receive around $750,000 in combined revenue from Washington County school land in Tom Green County.
join Washington County Commissioners after their
proclamation declaring October 16 - November 17
as the official period of the Washington County
READ.
Washington County Commissioners today (Tuesday) approved the 2022-23 school lands report and disbursed funding to the two school districts, coming from revenue from mineral rights, farming leases and hunting leases in Tom Green County. The money is allocated based on the districts’ average daily attendance.
Brenham ISD is receiving $695,096, while Burton ISD will get $81,547. The money goes into the school districts’ general funds.
The county is requesting that the two districts send a portion of the funding back to help maintain and improve the land. Brenham ISD would send back $29,900, while Burton ISD would pay $3,507.
County Treasurer Peggy Kramer said all of the funding collected from the land, minus general expenses associated with upkeep, goes to Washington County schools.
proclamation recognizing October 17 as the 150th
anniversary of Allwise Missionary Baptist Church in
Washington County. Pictured with commissioners is
Rev. Gary Jones.
Last year’s land revenue totaled $1,145,137 for Brenham ISD and $134,345 for Burton ISD. Kramer explained that last year’s numbers were higher due to extra upfront money that came from a solar farm. The farm is located on property adjacent to Washington County’s, and right-of-way was needed for access to an electrical substation so that the solar farm could sell the power it generates.
Commissioner Kirk Hanath called the land “a jewel” for the school districts in terms of the injection of money it provides outside of standard property taxes. County Judge John Durrenberger said it makes him feel “very good” to see the land producing well for the school districts’ benefit.
Also at today's meeting, commissioners:
- Approved proclamations designating October 16 - November 17 as the official period of the Washington County READ and recognizing October 17 as the 150th anniversary of Allwise Missionary Baptist Church in Washington County.
- Authorized the Washington County facility manager to seek invitation for bids on an 80 ton water-cooled chiller replacement using American Rescue Plan Act funds. Facility Manager Bobby Branham said the current courthouse chiller has been in use since 1985. Questions for bids will end on November 9. Bids will be opened on November 13 and accepted on November 21.
- Approved an oil and gas development permit for Watt Energy, LLC on Quebe Road in Precinct 3.
- Discussed a formal notice for fiber installation by Industry Telephone Company in the South Hinze right-of-way in Precinct 4.