Falls County to adopt tax rate, budget on Sept. 27

The Commissioners Court of Falls County met Monday, Sept. 13, at the County Courthouse Annex with Judge Jay Elliott presiding. All commissioners were present. 

The public hearing on the tax increase for 2021 tax rates per $100 valuation for Falls County’s fiscal year 2021-2022 was outlined. 

The total proposed 2021 tax rate is $0.93061 to include Maintenance and Operations $0.75500, Interest and sinking fund obligations on debt $0.02861 and Farm to Market Lateral Roads $0.14700. Again, there are no salary increases. The vote for the adoption of the budget and tax rate increase for 2021-2022 will be held Monday, Sept. 27, at 9 a.m. in the Falls County Courtroom, Falls County Courthouse, Marlin.

Courthouse updates were shared. Annex offices are being relocated. The previous “punch list” is completed however due to ponding on the roof, the contract roofer must return to rectify the problem. Concerning the Interlocal agreement with the City of Marlin, as requested, the minutes reflecting the approval of the agreement were received however the spending budget for the agreement has not been received. 

The AMR contracted ambulance service was addressed by Groesbeck paramedic. Falls County has one and a half trucks. AMR is depending on trucks from Groesbeck, Mexia and Robertson County to “Backfield” Falls County. The problem appears to be a shortage of paramedics. Possible sign-on bonuses may be offered. It was stated that Milam County will no longer provide ambulance service for Falls County. 

Actions were approved to renew 2022 Texas VINE Service Agreement, Interlocal Agreement for E9-1-1 Database Maintenance Services, and Emergency Notification Interlocal Agreement. Padded cell repairs at the county jail were discussed. Commissioners approved the jail cells updates and repairs for $6,672. In addition, the Sheriff’s Department was instructed to re-order equipment and inmate mattresses already approved under former leadership.  It was reported that the check written has not cleared nor initial purchase order confirmed. Sheriff’s Department vehicles are in need of service maintenance. Sheriff Lopez noted that a better maintenance program will be initiated. 

Twenty-five percent of the 2021 Capital Credits Unclaimed Credit ($6,346.39) will be dispersed among four non-profit organizations including Faith, Hope and Charity, Boys & Girls Club, Child Protective Services and Girl Scouts.  Appraisal District 2022-2023 nominations are due October 4, 2021; updates to employee handbook re: smoking on courthouse premises were mentioned.

With said restoration and renovation of the historical courthouse as now substantially complete and ready to accept the reoccupation of the Falls County governmental offices, a resolution was made designating location for conducting business at the courthouse facilities to become effective Sept. 20. 

An Executive session was held to discuss request for proposals for administrative services for American Rescue Plan.