Brown County Commissioners are considering the implementation of a small tax which would benefit agencies that serve sexually abused children of Brown County.
At Monday’s Commissioners’ Court, Brown County Attorney Shane Britton and Lisa Marks of Heart of Texas Children’s Advocacy Center asked the court to consider implementing a tax of $1.50 per vehicle and trailer registered in Brown County to create a source of funding for agencies such as the children’s advocacy center. Other groups that could benefit from the tax may include C.A.S. A. (Court Appointed Special Advocates), the Brown County Child Welfare Board and possibly Family Services Center according to Britton.
With approximately 41,000 vehicles and trailers registered in the county, this tax could raise over $60,000 in funding per year.
Commissioner Joel Kelton of Precinct 2 stated that $1.50 per vehicle each year didn’t bother him but that the court should remember that there may be another tax implemented soon to improve infrastructure within the county. This infrastructure improvement project would be funded through certificates of obligation to be paid back with funds from property taxes, adding an additional $30 per year for the average property owner if approved.
“This is another tax citizens will face, we are already considering taxing them for the roads project,” said Kelton.
Commissioner Larry Traweek gave his support of the idea, “One way to look at it is the children can’t help what happened to them.”
County Judge Ray West and commissioners asked deputy tax assessor collector Christine Pentacost if it would cost the county more than the tax would create in revenue to implement. She stated that she thought the current system would be able to implement the tax, but that she would have to look into it. At that point, the court agreed to take no action; however, to research the costs involved in the possible implementation of the additional registration tax and take up the matter at the next meeting of the court at 9:00 AM on April 22nd.
Marks stated that the Heart of Texas Children’s Advocacy Center in Brown County services over 200 sexually abused children.
In other matters on Monday’s agenda:
*Commissioners did not implement a burn ban.
*Brown County Sheriff’s Captain Tony Aaron received approval to purchase a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado from Bruner Auto Group for $27,695. A $6000 trade in was given to BCSO for a Chevrolet Trail Blazer and the addition of $2000 in emergency equipment, resulting in a cost of approximately $24,000 for the new truck.
*Approval was given for a purchase of a 2012 Jeep Liberty for the Brown County Inspector for $17,236.50 from Big Country Ford. Brown County will receive a $2500 trade in from a “troublesome vehicle,” a 2001 Ford truck with electrical problems. Funding for the purchase will come from the equipment fund.
*Brown County District Attorney Micheal Murray and Brown County Attorney Shane Britton received approval for flooring replacement; however funding was not approved from the county budget. Commissioners granted a conditional approval that the District Attorney’s Office find funding possibly from the forfeiture fund to make the improvements.
*Commissioner Kelton received approval for a private water line connected from Brookesmith Special Utility District which will cross County Road 105, requiring a cut in the caliche roadway (to county specifications) for the installation.
*Commissioners approved the demolition of the Daniell Motor Company Building at N. Broadway and Fisk Avenue. According to Judge West, the permit for the demolition was approved years ago, but was conditional upon fuel tanks and soil contamination being remediated. Those issues have been met and demolition can occur according to West. He also reported that years ago, Precinct 4 Commissioner David Carroll refused the demolition of the historic building. West stated that the building was constructed with steel beams that can be recycled or sold. Bids will be sought for the demolition by publication. It is thought that the demolition may be done in exchange for the salvage materials, possibly saving Brown County the cost of demolishing the building with county crews.
*Commissioners approved the signing of a deed by Judge West to convey the property located at 123 Walnut Street which had previously been a Head Start location to Gary Bostick. According to Bostick’s attorney Darrell Haynes, the property was sold in 2004; however the deed had never been conveyed, delayed by proper legal description being provided. Now nearly a decade later, the survey was approved and records found indicating the sale in commissioner’s court on September 9, 2004.
*Approval was granted by commissioners to the Brownwood Baseball City League to use the Houston Street Jail Property as a practice field.
*The sale of the Houston Street Jail Property was approved by commissioners. An appraisal will be completed to guide commissioners in their decisions regarding sealed bids for purchase of the property.
*Commissioners approved part-time/temporary employee for the county judge’s office. According to West, when his court administrator is sick or on vacation, this employee will fill in at the county’s standard hourly rate for clerical work. Nancy Hodges has been working in this position currently with a start date of April 10th.
