Jennifer Perry Middleton/Jefferson Jimplecute
The Jefferson Independent School District now has the option to refuse business contracts with those who owe delinquent taxes. A resolution was passed during the April 13 meeting stating that the district can refuse to enter into a contract with those who are indebted to the district, including an individual, sole proprietorship, corporation, nonprofit corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company and any other entity seeking to do business with JISD.
“If you’ve got a ridiculous amount of taxes owed, then we do not need to be doing business with you,” Trustee J.P. Abernathy said.
A possible resolution was discussed during the March meeting, but nothing was passed at that time. Barnwell said he had consulted with legal counsel for the draft resolution and that it gives the district the ability to examine contracts on a case-by-case basis to determine if it is a good business relationship for the district.
“There’s a lot that can come into this,” Barnwell said. “Therefore, we’re going to have to have leeway to deal with that.” He added that he will compile and maintain a list of delinquent entities for the board to use when considering future contracts and transactions.
In other business, Patti Wallace with the Marion County Tax Collector’s Office gave a delinquent tax report to the board. Wallace said they have nine properties going to auction on June 1 for delinquent taxes, including a 56-acre tract with $38,000 due and 76 lake lots in Pine Bluff with $89,000 due in taxes.
“We have a couple of guys ready to bid and buy them,” she said. “As you know, they (the owners) have until 9:59 the day of the sale to pay the taxes, so we give them until the very last minute.”
In addition there is a 19-acre tract that will also sell June 1, several three-acre tracts with houses and a 13-acre tract. There are also three that she filed in April, a 30-acre tract, a 119-acre tract and another 42.25 acres.
“There’s a lot of money due and we’re going to collect it one way or another—sell it or they’ll pay it off before the sale,” Wallace said. “We shall see.”
She added that they will be doing more tax warrants that will possibly be ready in August.
The board also considered future capital projects for all the district’s campuses. They directed Supt. Barnwell to get quotes for upgrades to the football field, including the press box, parking lot, turf, remodeling the facade and the home dressing rooms. Bids for removal of the portable buildings at the primary campus will also be obtained, along with bids for a covered walkway at the high school from the handicapped spaces into the building.
The board also approved submitting a waiver to the Texas Education Agency related to missed school days due to COVID-19 and February’s inclement weather. They also approved an engagement letter with Knuckols, Duvall, Hallum & Co. to perform the 1920-21 audit.
The next meeting will be held May 11.