The Hockley County Commissioners’ Court worked through a lengthy agenda Monday morning with the biggest item being the approval of a proposed tax rate for the upcoming year.
The court has been working on their proposed budget for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 throughout multiple budget meetings. Taxing entities such as the county have found methods to calculate what the possible rates could be and be very close in doing so.
In a non-action item, Hockley County Tax-Assessor Debra Bramlett provided the rates received from the Texas Comptroller for the court to suggest a proposed tax rate.
Hockley County Court Judge Sharla Baldridge read off the rates which were a no-new-revenue rate of $0.476985 and a voter approval rate of $0.488090.
The following step was to vote on the proposed tax rate for 2024. Baldridge added that during the previous budget workshop, the rate that would allow the county to conduct their business would be $0.481462.
Commissioner Larry Carter made the motion to accept $0.481462 as the proposed tax rate with Commissioner Seth Graf seconding the motion. The court approved the proposed rate unanimously.
In turn, the next item was setting a date and time for a public hearing on the tax rate and budget.
Holding a public hearing is necessary in the budget and tax rate process.
The group elected to hold the public hearing on August 19 at 9 a.m. Commissioner Alan Wisdom made the motion to approve the date and time while Commissioner Graf second the motion. The court unanimously approved the item as well.
The court also discussed approving the use of additional American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for capital case expenditures.
The court was asked to approve $100,000 in ARPA funds for expenditures associated with the upcoming capital murder case of Omar Soto-Chavira.
Several other items were approved by the court such as ordering the November 5 General Election in Hockley County which is legally required.
The commissioners also gave the green light for the county holidays for 2025. The 2025 Safety Incentive Program for Hockley County full-time employees was approved with minimal discussion as well.
The county also improved an Interlocal Agreement between Hockley County and the City of Ropesville. The agreement states Hockley County will provide Ropesville seal coating, street maintenance and working of caliche roads within the city limits of Ropesville from time-to-time.
The roads will be mutually agreed upon between both entities. Material for seal coating, street maintenance and caliche will be the sole cost and expense of Ropesville. Hockley County will provide the labor and equipment for the seal coating, maintenance and working caliche roads.
In return for the services provided by Hockley County, while the county is working roads in Ropesville or in the greater Ropesville community, Ropesville agrees to provide Hockley County with two loads of water per day but not exceed four loads per week. Said usage will be on a seasonal basis and will only be used when the work requires it.