Editor: Shannon Cottongame
September 13, 2023
The Hill County Commissioners Court adopted the county’s proposed budget and tax rate in a meeting held Tuesday morning, September 5.
The total county tax rate is comprised of two rates: the general fund rate, which is used for general operating expenses, and the FM lateral rate, which can only be used to purchase road and bridge materials.
The court adopted a general fund tax rate of $0.371881 per $100 valuation and an FM lateral rate of $0.063753 per $100 valuation for a total combined tax rate of $0.435634. The overall rate is down more than two cents from last year.
The county saw about $306 million in new construction on the appraisal rolls for the general fund this year and over $563 million in new construction on the FM lateral side. Most of that increase was attributed to solar and wind farms in the county.
The county budget for fiscal year 2024, which begins October 1, shows a beginning general fund balance of $8,145,670 and an anticipated ending balance of $7,145,670. Lewis pointed out that the budget is otherwise balanced but includes expenditures of $1 million from the county’s unbudgeted reserves.
The county is required to keep 25% of its total general fund balance in unbudgeted reserves, but Lewis has traditionally made it a goal to keep 35% in reserves. Even after this year’s expenditure, the county will have just under 35% in unbudgeted reserves.
The decision will help the county move forward with projected one-time expenses, like adding space to the sheriff’s office and acquiring property for future expansion.
Lewis said that the budget “reflects the court’s continuous commitment to responsible financial management while addressing the changing needs of our growing county.”
The recommended adjustments from the Evergreen payroll study were also incorporated into the budget with its final adoption. “It is imperative that we pay a competitive salary to attract and retain a knowledgeable, first-class workforce,” Lewis wrote in a letter accompanying the budget.
He continued: “We have diligently reviewed and taken into account the adjustment requests put forth by various office holders within our county. These requests are centered around enhancing service delivery, improving operational efficiency and addressing pressing needs in each respective department. It is worth noting that these adjustments have been carefully balanced against our overarching goal of fiscal responsibility and prudence.”
The full adopted budget can be accessed on the county’s website at co.hill.tx.us under the “financial transparency” section.
In other action, the court approved moving forward with replacement or rehabilitation of bridges located at Ash Creek Branch (HCR 3323), Two Mile Creek (HCR 3102) and Aquilla Creek (HCR 1439).
Under the federal off-system bridge program administered by the Texas Department of Transportation, the county can typically have bridges replaced or repaired by providing a 7% match in funds. The bridges selected for work are chosen by the state.
Due to federal funding provided through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program, the local match will be waived in full and the county will have the bridges replaced at no cost.
A $14,400 proposal from Texas Roots Vegetation was approved after a Texas Forest Service arborist inspected the trees around the courthouse at the request of Judge Lewis.
The arborist provided information about what needs to be done to care for the trees due to drought. Lewis said that he would like to get the trees trimmed to prevent any damage from falling branches and have the work done before Christmas lights are put up this year.
Commissioners approved a preliminary plat for Grandview Heights and a final plat for Aquilla Meadows, which are both five-lot subdivisions off of HCR 1414.
A mutual aid agreement was renewed with Hillsboro ISD. The agreement allows the district to include the temporary use of county property in its emergency plan if there is an incident on campus.
A communication system agreement was approved with Aquilla ISD to allow the school to access the county’s new public safety radio system.
The court’s next meeting will be Tuesday, September 12, at 8:30 a.m. in the Hill County Courtroom of the courthouse.
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