Friday, July 3, 2009

Tyler

Posted on
Sunday, August 24, 2008
        Email This   Print This

Smith County Commissioners Set To Adopt FY 2009 Budget, Tax Rate
By ROY MAYNARD
Staff Writer

Smith County commissioners are scheduled to adopt their fiscal year 2009 budget and tax rate on Monday, holding the tax rate level but spending more money, due to increased property valuations.

Operating fund revenues are up about 7.8 percent from last year's $61.22 million to an estimated $65.99 million for FY 2009, which starts on Oct. 1.

Spending is also up in the proposed budget from last year's $59.63 million (again, that's the operating funds) to $69.33 million in the proposed FY 2009 budget. That's an increase of about 16.2 percent.

The county's reserve ratio -- the "rainy day fund" that is a sign of its fiscal stability, and a potential factor in the how advantageous an interest rate the county can get if it sells bonds for that new jail -- is estimated to be 12.25 percent for FY 2009, up from 2008's 9.82 percent.

The proposed tax rate, the same as last year, is 28.8940 cents per $100 in property valuation.

Because the average home value in Smith County rose this year -- from $126,719 to $131,899, or about 4 percent -- many homeowners will see a higher tax bill. On that average home, for example, the bill would be up $14.97 from $366.14 to $381.11 (also about 4 percent).

A public hearing on the budget will take place at 9 a.m. Monday. That will be followed by a vote on adopting the budget and the tax rate.

Also on Monday, commissioners will consider cutting budgetary ties with the county's volunteer fire departments. In prior years, the county has provided some funding for the departments. Now, however, these agencies are funded through the Emergency Services District No. 2.

"Now they have their own taxing entity," Commissioner Bobby Van Ness explains. "So they're not a part of our budget anymore."

Commissioners meet on the first floor of the Smith County Courthouse Annex, 200 E. Ferguson St.

Other items to be considered for approval on Monday include:

  • Payment of bills and payroll, transfers of funds, health claims and budget transfers and amendments.

  • Utility and pipeline installation requests.

  • Easements and plats.

  • A resolution honoring New Hope Bullard Baptist Church.

  • Receive TxDOT's functional classification update and related mapping and roadway lists.

  • A proposal regarding a fiscal transparency project for Smith County, and take any necessary action.

  • Interlocal agreement for law enforcement liaison officer program between Lindale ISD and Smith County Precinct 5 Constable.

  • Contract for demolition on the fifth and sixth floors of the Smith County Courthouse.

  • Joining the Cooperative Purchasing Network.

  • New travel program for Smith County.

    Commissioners have also scheduled executive sessions on their lease agreement with the Smith County 9-1-1 Communications District on a proposed settlement with Johnson Controls, Inc. related to the TXU/Oncor rebate program. Action on both these items could follow.

    Updated Monday, Aug. 25, 2008 at 3:21 p.m. CDT



  •   FAQFAQ     SearchSearch Comments        Log inLog in      RegisterRegister 


    Comment on this article!
     Topics   Replies  Author  Last Post 
    No Comments
    New comment »
    MORE NEWS
    Illegal Immigrant Gets 10 Years For Third DWI
    This is liberalism at it's best - 07/03/09 11:46:00 AM
    Illegal Immigrant Gets 10 Years For Third DWI
    3rd DWI FOR ILLEGAL ALIEN - 07/03/09 10:56:00 AM
    July 2: An Offer We Can Refuse
    Re: Political Football funded by Taxpayers - 07/03/09 03:31:00 AM
    July 1: Reader Wants Tax Money Kept From Illegals
    Re: My Opinion - 07/02/09 10:05:00 PM
    June 30: Don't Miss It
    Re: (No heading) - 07/02/09 08:12:00 PM
    Tyler Police Seize 3,434 Cans of Beer
    Re: Laissez les Bon Temps Roulez - 07/02/09 07:37:00 PM
    June 30: Don't Miss It
    Escaped pit bull - 07/02/09 04:46:00 PM
    Tyler Police Seize 3,434 Cans of Beer
    (No heading) - 07/02/09 02:09:00 PM

    MULTIMEDIA