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County budget talks continue
By Courtney Burleson, Managing Editor
Budget talks followed Colorado County Commission-ers court Monday morning with county auditor, Raymie Kana giving commissioners an overview and recap of proposed budget funds for 2009.
Kana showed an actual assessed value for the county at $1,659,490,327, which is an increase of $127,272,037 from the previous year. Figures were provided by the Colorado County Central Appraisal District.
While no decisions were made, Kana asked commissioners to read over the proposed $13.6 million budget which was based on a preliminary .44 cents per $100 valuation. If approved this would generate $684,000 more for the county in tax revenue, said Kana.
The county's tax rate will be contingent on the Colorado County CAD's effective and rollback rates. The current county tax rate is .43 cents per $100 valuation.
A public hearing is scheduled for Aug. 11 at 9 a.m. at the Colorado County Courthouse to approve salaries, expenses or allowances for Colorado County elected officials. Look in this week's edition for the proposed elected official salary increases.
Included in the 2009 budget are the refinancing of certificates of obligation for a $3.6 million 96-bed jail in 1994 and the certificates of obligation to finance the courthouse roof repairs.
Raises are also budgeted for 2009 by giving a five percent cost of living increase and an additional two percent merit increase to each department based on their total salary budget to be distributed to employees based on performance with the exception of assistant attorneys. They will receive a five percent cost of living and an additional $5,000. Salary increase at seven percent and longevity pay is included for elected officials.
Two additional jailers and a full time paramedic to be staffed in Weimar are included in the 2009 budget.
For the court system, $20,000 has been allotted for interpreters for county and district courts due to the increasing number of Spanish speaking defendants; $60,000 for computer software and hardware maintenance; and $8,000 for the county software project provided by the Texas Association of Counties. There is also a $15,000 contingency item for overtime pay.
The sheriff's budget includes six new patrol cars for $130,000.
Aso included is $30,000 for new vehicle emergency medical services and $20,000 for a new van for the 4-H program.
Kana told commissioners that $1.2 million was being taken out of reserves to balance the 2009 general fund budget as compared to last year in which $800,000 was allotted.
During the regular meeting the court
Approved a resolution of respect for Vernon Brown, retired employee of Pct. 1. He served the citizens of Pct. 1 from 1957-1997. He passed away on July 12.
Colorado County 4-H members updated the court on recent happenings. 4-H council chairman Kristi Kulhanek thanked the court for their support, introduced the 2008-09 officers and council followed by the 4-H pledge.
Removed the county-wide burn ban.
Declared surplus property to be sold on GovDeal.com online auction.
Allowed Texas Life Insur-ance Company representative to offer portable permanent life insurance to county employees.
Approved request of San Felipe Pipeline LP to release performance bond B002995 dated July 13, 2006.
Authorized advertisement for deputy clerk for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2 and courthouse maintenance personnel.
Approved law enforcement mutual assistance agreement between Colorado County and chief law enforcement officers, city mayors and city managers of Columbus, Eagle Lake and Weimar for one year.
Approved maintenance agreement between Colorado County and CTWP for Kyocera Monochromem printer at the Colorado County Sheriff's Department for $395 per year.
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