BARBARA BRANNON | THE TEXAS SPUR During its Aug. 8 budget
workshop, as part of its regularly scheduled semi-monthly meeting, Kent County commissioners turned to the Unused Increment Rate provision authorized by SB2, the Senate budget bill, as a way to adjust the county’s tax rate without triggering an election.
The proposed FY23 tax rate of 0.8800 is not greater than the voter-approval tax rate, county judge Jim C. White explained, because taxing entities are allowed to add unused increments in previous years to the voter-approval tax rate in their calculations. Kenty County’s no new revenue rate last year was 0.7196; the unused increment provision allows the county to consider its benchmark to be 0.9500.
The provision allows “a little more to get through the economic conditions of the coming year,” said White. He encouraged everyone to attend tax rate hearing August 22 to express support or opposition.
The county had positive financial news in the form of its fiscal year 2021 audit. Both the county and its subsidiary Kent County Nursing Home financial audits resulted in “an unmodified (clean) position on both of these entities” by the firm of Scott Northam, CPA, PC. This report came on the heels of audits of fiscal year 2020 during which a midyear change in accounting systems prevented issuance of an unmodified position. The audit report was approved as presented.
Also on the financial front commissioners approved a salary increase of $1,500 for county employees, as posted. For hourly employees, the raise works out to 80 cents per hour, White said.
Additionally, commissioners approved a 2% cost of living adjustment in the benefits for retired employees. The last time such an adjustment was made was in 2014, according to commissioner Don Long.
Thecountymadenochange in its eligibility standards for indigent health care benefits for county residents for the coming year. The mininmum standard is equal to 21% of federal poverty guidelines, and Kent County residents wishing to apply must complete an application with verification of income and automobile assets. Judge White confirmed that there were few beneficiaries last year, and that the county’s 2022 expenses had been low.
Commissioners made no changes in sheriff’s and constable’s fees for FY23.
The county finalized purchase terms for road maintenance equipment, having negotiated an 84-month, 5000-hour warranty on both a wheel loader and a motor grader from Yellow House Machinery. The delivery date for the equipment is uncertain at this time.
A reimbursement to Jayton- Girard ISD for permanet school funds in the amount of $43,997.73 was approved.
Regarding upcoming repairs to the Cooper Creek Bridge recently discussed with the TxDOT Abilene district, a formal agreement involving $83,850 in cash or in-kind work had been received from TxDOT. Judge White charged commissioners with drafting a detailed list of in-kind work to be considered in each of their precincts, in preparation for a future resolution accepting the contract. No action was taken.
The court approved the following election judges for the November 2022 general election: Shirley Long, Wyvonne Spray, Belle Branham, Johnna Reynolds, Don Benningfield, Doty Benninfgield, Bert Stanaland and Ranée Moreno, in their respective polling precincts. The Republican Party chair is Kathy Owen; the Democratic Party chair is Lacy Scogin.
Commissioner Daryl Ham reported on recent apparent vandalism damage to the historic jail in Clairemont, which he had discussed with the Kent County Historical Commission. Various possible solutions for protecting the property, from security to stabilization, were briefly discussed, as well as ways to prevent visitors from going inside.
One critical need was discussed, regarding recent plumbing problems at the Kent County Community Center in Jayton. An apparent hole in a drain pipe is causing water to come up through the floor, creating unsanitary and unsafe conditions at times. The court considered several solutions and will continue to purse remedies; in the meantime, the Center will remain closed for events involving food service.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved, as were bills for payment by the county.
Present in addition to Judge White, county clerk Craig Harrison and county attorney Katie Lackey were commissioners Roy Chisum, Daryl Ham and Don Long; commissioner Robert Graham was absent.
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