Commissioners discuss budget
Spindletop Center CEO Holly Borel (front right) recognizes Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne (front left) for nine years of leadership and service on the board of trustees with a trophy. Showing support are Commissioners Ryan Dagley (back left), Tommy Hammond, Mark Tice and Jimmy Gore, as well as County Judge Jimmy Sylvia (back middle). Sylvia was selected to serve on the board in place of Hawthorne.
Zachary Vogler (front left) is recognized as the county engineer, officially signing his oath to the county. Showing support are Commissioners Ryan Dagley (back left), Tommy Hammond (front right), Mark Tice (back, second left) and Jimmy Gore, as well as County Judge Jimmy Sylvia (back, middle left).
ANAHUAC— With the new budget year just around the corner, commissioners met last week to discuss just that, plus the new property tax rate.
Chambers County Commissioners Court met on Tuesday, Sept. 9, discussing the budget for the new fiscal year and a couple of items to aid emergency services for the county.
A public hearing was held on the new fiscal year’s budget, with the general fund at just under $85.2 million.
County Auditor Aaron Thomas said the fund covers most of the spending for the county throughout the year.
There was a small discussion on the budget, mainly mentioning a 3% cost-of-living raise for employees and discussions of the overall picture.
Law enforcement and safety make up the largest fund, with 19% of the budget allocated to them. The next highest is general government at 13%.
A public hearing was set for Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 10 a.m. to discuss the proposed tax rate of $0.439746 per $100 of valuation, a decrease from last year’s rate of $0.440035/$100.
Commissioners allocated $200,000 in American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA, funds to purchase and equip a new mobile command center to be used by law enforcement and emergency services.
Emergency Management Coordinator and Fire Marshal Ryan Holzaepfel said the current command center was purchased in 2005.
“We put it to good use, and it’s reached...pretty much the end of its lifespan,” Holzaepfel said.
Department of Economic Development Director Samantha Humphrey added to Holzaepfel’s point, saying when she tried to walk into the command center while preparing for the Texas Gatorfest, the door handle fell off.
Holzaepfel added that a new one would be utilized more because it is easier to deploy.
Commissioners also approved the purchase of a 60-foot self-support tower for just under $66,000 to support the new emergency services facility on Airport Road.
As for the golf course, a new tax rate of 6.75% was added to the rental for the golf carts.
The cart cost was decreased so renters would pay the same rate in total, according to Commissioner Precinct 4 Ryan Dagley.