Staff Reports
County Commissioners adopted a tax rate of $0.5444274 for 2022 and the 2023 County Budget during Monday’s regular meeting.
Following two public hearings, where no one from the public spoke, commissioners approved the rate which is lower than last year’s rate by about three cents, and a budget that will raise more total property taxes than last year, due to increased valuations and new property added to the rolls, by $35,062. The General Fund rate will be $0.4836936 and Road and Bridge rate will be $0.0607338 for a combined rate of $0.5444274.
Marion County Clerk Vickie Smith also received approval for her 2023 Records Archive Plans. The $10 filing fee funds this project each year.
Commissioners approved an order setting the salary for the 115th Court Reporter at $75,598. Marion County shares the expense with Upshur County.
The 276th District Court Reporter will be paid $75,927.59 per year after commissioners approved the order. The salary is split between four counties, Camp, Marion, Morris and Titus.
The Marion and Morris County Auditor will be paid $41,318 for 2023 and the counties split the fee.
Commissioners also approved applications for 2023 TCDRS Plan, the TAC Health Benefit Pool Plan and auto liability, general liability auto physical damage renewal questionnaires. Final rates will be supplied after the application is submitted.
Insurance needs were also addressed for the Airport Storage Tank Third Party Liability Renewal Warranty and the Airport Owners & Operators Policy, as commissioners approved renewals.
JP and Constable offices in Smithland will be moving out of the County Road Commissioner’s office and into a portion of the VFD building starting January 1 after commissioners approved a 10 year lease agreement with JISD which owns the property.
The last 1,000-1,100 feet of Brooks Road was declared closed and abandoned to the property owners after a request was submitted by Tom and Tammy Dupree and Keith and Darla Cherry. The county will no longer maintain the road once it enters their property.
Lastly, Commissioners discussed options on how they supply culverts to property owners in the county. JR Ashley raised the issue during a recent budget workshop as he has been receiving a number of requests for culverts and he felt it would be better to limit the number of culverts the county would install per property owner.