Published: August 28, 2008 01:31 am            

County to consider adoption of budget

Commissioners to meet at 9:30 a.m. Friday

PALESTINE — Anderson County commissioners are expected to vote on the county’s 2009 budget during a regularly-scheduled meeting scheduled for Friday morning.

The meeting is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. in the County Courtroom of the Anderson County Courthouse Annex.

On Monday, approximately 100 persons attended a public hearing before the Anderson County commissioners’ court on the county’s proposed tax rate of .55283 cents per $100 valuation — an increase of more than 4 cents over the current rate of .51110 cents per $100 valuation.

Twenty of the attendees spoke out against the proposed tax increase, with many of those saying they were already overtaxed and could not afford another hike.

One speaker, Virginia Votti, pointed out Anderson County’s proposed tax rate was higher than the proposed rates of some neighboring, contiguous counties, specifically Smith, Henderson, Freestone and Leon.

Many of those making comments during the public hearing indicated that — if the proposed tax increase is ultimately passed — they would remember those who supported it at the ballot box.

Elkhart resident Charles McShan told commissioners in open court that they may presently hold the upper hand, adding, “Until it comes election time, then we have the advantage.”

Citizens will have the opportunity to speak concerning the county’s 2009 budget during Friday’s meeting.

Some of the more notable items currently included in the proposed 2009 budget are:

• Annual pay raises of $1,200 for most Anderson County employees.

• $150,000 to construct a central storage facility for the county.

• The county’s monthly contribution to each employee’s health insurance is set to increase from $500 to $600, upping the budget in that line item by roughly $300,000.

• The Juvenile Probation & Detention line item is scheduled to be increased by $20,000 from $180,000 to $200,000.

In addition to holding a public hearing, considering changes to and later voting on the 2009 budget, commissioners on Friday are also expected to:

• CONSIDER budget amendments.

• CONSIDER approving payroll and bills.

• CONSIDER utilities crossing county roads.

• HEAR from Tax Assessor/Collector Teri Garvey regarding interlocal agreement with Elkhart Independent School District for collection of taxes and take action as necessary.

• CONSIDER 2008 tax rate.

• RECEIVE district judges’ order setting salaries for county auditor’s office and court reporters and order they be paid.

• CONSIDER the 2008 sheriff office’s fee schedule for county, district and justice of the peace courts and take action as necessary.

————

Paul Stone may be contacted via e-mail at pstone@palestineherald.com

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.