Although no action was taken regarding the issuance of tax notes for infrastructure and road improvements at Monday’s meeting of the Brown County Commissioners Court, members further discussed tax notes and discussed possible terms and amounts for approval at a later date.
Amounts of $1.5 million and $2.5 million were considered with repayment possibilities of 3 or 5 years. Commissioners Gary Worley, Joel Kelton, Larry Traweek and Wayne Shaw, along with County Judge Ray West and County Auditor Nina Cox reviewed schedules of each amount with repayment of both terms. All agreed to look further into issuance of $1.5 million in tax bonds which would be repayable in 5 years. Although this amount would not cover all projects needed throughout the county, it would be a start and possibly the first of a series of tax notes issued.
The impact of $2.5 million paid back over a term of 3 years, would result in a tax increase of $29.40/year for the average home in Brown County valued at $70,000; over a period of 5 years would be $18.20/year for the average $70,000 home. The $1.5 million tax bond issuance paid back over a period of 5 years would result in $22.00/year for the $70,000 home and paid over 3 years term would be an increase of $10.99/year on a $70,000 home.
Members of the court agreed to review the amount that would be the least burdensome on county taxpayers.
“I would rather see the $1.5 million, which would have the minimum impact on the taxpayers,” said West. “We can spread it out longer that way, just depends on how long we want to do it.”
All members agreed and Cox was directed to start working up the required documents and information for consideration of approval of the $1.5 million bond to be repaid over a 5 year period.
West reminded the commissioners of the possibility that a series of bond issuances could be done over a longer period of time up to the amount of $10 million dollars. Possibly $1.5 million borrowed each year, staggering the debt upon the taxpayers.
With the $1.5 million tax note, each precinct would receive $357,000 and $40,000 would be allocated to the maintenance fund for the county jail.
Further discussion and possible approval for the $1.5 million in tax bonds will be considered at the first regular meeting in July.
In other matters on Monday’s agenda:
*Commissioners took no action on implementation of a burn ban.
*Pct. 1 Commissioner Gary Worley received approval to install a utility easement on County Road 236, which will be a Brookesmith Special Utility District water line to be buried along the road, which is not paved. It will require a road cut to county specifications.
*Worley also received approval for installing utility easements along CR 189, CR 187, CR 221, CR 186, and CRC 224 for Coleman County Telephone Cooperative. The installation along CR 186 will be along the right of way with no road crossing. All other installations will require road bores to cross the roadways and will be performed according to county specifications.
*Commissioner Pct. 1 Wayne Shaw was granted approval for the purchase of a 105 horsepower tractor and a shredder. The cost of the tractor is $25,000 and the shredder $8600 according to Shaw. Shaw justified the purchase as a way to save the county money by having county crews do shredding rather than contracting it out as has been done in the past.
*Commissioner Worley received approval for an agreement with TG Mercer Consulting Services, Inc. to allow the use of Blake Street for unloading 90’ lengths of 24” diameter pipe from railcars. According to Worley, the unloading and moving of the pipe will require a pad to be built in the railroad right-of-way and on the roadway to allow equipment to unload the railcars. The moving of these pipes will be over a period of six months and at the termination of the agreement, Mercer will remove the pad and correct any damages caused to the county at no expense to the county. No consideration is being exchanged for the right to use the street and right of way. According to Worley, Blake Street is an old Camp Bowie road which has very little traffic.
*Commissioner Pct. 4 Larry Traweek received approval for installation of a utility easement on County Roads 612 and 167 by Coleman County Electrical Cooperative. Both will require road bores to county specifications.
*Amy Hamrick opened bids for paving, seal coating and materials from three suppliers/contractors which included Kelcy and Sons Contractors, Inc. of Early; Ergon Asphalt and Emulsions Inc. of Austin and P2 Emulsions Plants, LLC. of Elm Mott. Commissioners took no action on the bids, deciding to do some research before accepting any of the bids. Consideration of bid approval will on the June 10th agenda.
*Brown County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Bobby Duvall reported 150 inmates in the Brown County Jail as of Monday morning. Duvall also received approval of employee changes. Sgt. Shawn McFarland was replaced by Sgt. Teresa McFarland; Bobby Joe Taylor was hired as a new jailor; and Paula Netherton was hired as a part-time Food Services employee to monitor inventory and inmate portions. Netherton will work 20 hours a week at the beginning jail salary.
*Elections Administrator Suzy Young received approval of an interlocal agreement between Brown County and the City of Brady for limited elections service during their mayoral election on September 7, 2013. Equipment only will be provided. Brady will be billed $2,559.05 for these services according to Young.
