The Jefferson City Council voted down the Marion Central Appraisal District’s proposed 2022 Operating Budget during a special meeting Tuesday night.
Ward 3 Alderman Richard Turner raised concerns about the benefits increase in the proposed budget by comparing what the City matches to it’s employees retirement funds.
“I have trouble approving a budget that gives double the match to their employees than what the City gives to it’s employees,” said Turner. “And these numbers [referencing salary figures] just don’t add up.”
The MCAD proposed budget has included a 2:1 match in retirement for their employees while the City provides a 1:1 match. The match increased the budget by $8,113.
The budget also has a contingencies budget which almost doubled from the 2021 budget going from $5,114 to $10,000.
“In a year where you’re asking for more money, you just don’t raise the contingencies item,” said Jefferson Mayor Rob Baker. “It’s just how I learned it.”
MCAD Chief Appraiser Ann Lummus was present to answer questions.
Ward 3 Councilman Ted Dickson asked Lummus about the changes in salaries in the budget. Lummus said she’s moving some people around in her office after a 26-year veteran retires at the end of the year, and that’s allowing her to reduce her overall payroll by $2,830 and by replacing with entry-level appraisers. Lummus will receive a $1,200 raise, and one Office 2 CSR will receive a raise of
Overall the MCAD budget has an increase of $17,464 over the 2021 budget of $542,270. The new budget is $559,734. Each taxing entity splits the cost of this budget. The City of Jefferson contributes 7%.
Other increases in the budget include $17,250 for Mass Mailings which are required by the 2019 Texas Legislature and go into effect this fall. There is also a new website which is required which allows a taxpayer to see what their new taxes will cost them by being able to put in the proposed tax rates from each taxing entity.
The Commissioners Court also rejected the proposed budget at last week’s regular meeting. JISD approved the proposed budget on Tuesday night. Avinger ISD and Ore City ISD have approved the budget. All entities must vote to specifically reject the budget or it is considered approved if three of the five voting members accept it or take no action on the budget. With JISD approving the budget it will be considered accepted.