2023-24 county budget, tax rate up for adoption
The Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse in Marlin on Monday, Aug. 28, with County Judge Jay Elliott presiding. Commissioners present were Milton Albright (Pct. 1), F. A. Green (Pct. 2), Jason Willberg (Pc. 3) and Nita Wuebker (Pct. 4).
The Commissioners approved the TAC County Information Resources Agency (CIRA) website services annual rate of $3,550. There were no updates concerning the resource officer for Chilton ISD. Commissioner Green moved to approve the Indigent Health Care payment in the amount of $236,376.32 to the Falls Community Hospital & Clinic. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, the motion carried.
The Fiscal Year 2020-2022 Cash Basis Annual Financial Report Modified Audit was accepted by the Commissioners. Concerning the Commissary Services, Commissioners also approved the agreement. Commissioner Green moved to approve the Correctional Communications Services Agreement of City Tele-Coin Company, Inc. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, the motion carried. The company will install, service, and maintain inmate telephone, video visitation and messaging services.
Commissioners accepted the Utility Notification Form for Tri-County S.U.D. road cuts on CR 118. Commissioner Wuebker moved to accept the Interlocal Agreement for Assessment and Collection of Taxes for the City of Rosebud and ESD #1. Seconded by Commissioner Willberg, motion carried.
Commissioner Green moved to accept the Falls County ESD #1 Amended 2023-2024 Budget submitted. The original budget did not include the PHI Air Ambulance service fees. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, motion carried. Commissioners approved the notice of a Special Called meeting on September25, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. in the County Commissioners’ Courtroom. The agenda item will be to set the fee for the 2023-204 County Clerk’s Archive Plan and approve the plan.
Jeff Jackson, Road & Bridge Administrated, presented a brief report on damaged bridges and the need for additional truck signs. He also noted open positions.
In other matters, Commissioner Albright moved to approve the payment of bills, including reimbursements, late charges, transfer of cash or funds from any line item or department to another, and bridge amendments. Seconded by Commissioner Green, motion carried.
Commissioners approved actions concerning 2023-2024 budget including anticipated income and expenses; the Falls County Detention Center; departmental line items; all funds including general fund and Farm-to-Market Lateral Road Fund, upcoming year’s Appraisal District Budget and fees for processing payroll and charge school districts for assessing and collecting taxes.
Commissioners approved the recorded vote on consideration of proposed tax rate, fiscal year 2023-2024, and the setting date of public hearing, and subsequent vote on the 2023-2024 budget; publishing of public notice and setting of public hearing on Monday, Sept. 11, regarding proposed tax increase. The vote on the adoption of the 2023-24 budget will be Monday, Sept. 11, at 9 a.m. The adoption of the tax rate increase will be on the same day.
Commissioner Wuebker moved to accept the minutes of the prior meeting of Commissioners’ Court; seconded by Commissioner Willberg, motion carried. Prior to adjournment, Commissioner Wuebker noted an error published in the Marlin Democrat from the previous meeting. It should have read “Donations of $2250 to the Falls on the Brazos were received from Avangrid True North Solar ($600), Overland Contracting True North Solar ($650) and Black & Veatch Holding Company ($1000).”
With no further business, the meeting adjourned.