Hill County Judge Shane Brassell filed the proposed county budget for the fiscal year beginning in October recently. The draft spending plan was filed in County Clerk Nicole Tanner's office Thursday, August 14. The judge worked with Auditor Susan Swilling and Treasurer Rachel Parker on the document with input from commissioners and department heads. While … Continue reading Proposed Hill County budget, tax rate filed
Author: The Lakelander
Court approves increase in indigent healthcare limits
The Hill County Commissioners Court increased the county's indigent healthcare poverty guidelines during a meeting held Tuesday, August 19. Indigent Healthcare Coordinator April Cook recently asked the court to increase income guidelines for the program, which assists extremely low-income residents with basic medical care if they do not qualify for other state or federal assistance … Continue reading Court approves increase in indigent healthcare limits
Renovations transform local landmark
For generations, The Lamp Post has been more than just a gas station – it has been a trusted part of the community, serving as the town’s oldest and most reliable stop for fuel, snacks and friendly service. Today, while The Lamp Post continues to provide the same dependable offerings that have made it a … Continue reading Renovations transform local landmark
USACE, Brazos River Authority present lake reallocation plan
This illustration from the plan shows the storage allocation in Lake Whitney under the proposal. The top of the conservation pool stays the same at 533 feet, but 8 additional feet is allocated from the inactive pool as water supply storage for Brazos River Authority. The current average lake level is 532.2 feet, and under … Continue reading USACE, Brazos River Authority present lake reallocation plan
TEA releases A-F ratings for schools
The Texas Education Agency released 2025 A-F Accountability Ratings for schools and campuses across the state last week after a state appeals court ruled in the agency's favor.Texas school districts and TEA have been battling in court over how the grades are calculated, and a lower court previously froze the release of scores. Two years … Continue reading TEA releases A-F ratings for schools
WISD board reviews TIA program
The Whitney Independent School District Board of Trustees met in regular session Monday, August 11. Assistant Superintendent Amy Leech presented an update on the district's anticipated adoption of the Teacher Incentive Allotment, a program designed to promote the profession of teaching in Texas by providing a path to higher incomes for educators through a system … Continue reading WISD board reviews TIA program
Commissioners hear additional budget requests
The Hill County Commissioners Court met in a regular session Tuesday, August 12, and heard additional requests as the county's budget work for fiscal year 2026 continues. Indigent Health Care Coordinator April Cook approached the court about increasing income guidelines for the indigent health care program. Currently, Hill County operates at the state-required scale of … Continue reading Commissioners hear additional budget requests
Lake Whitney reallocation meeting Thursday
A public meeting will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, August 14, to present the draft of the Whitney Lake Reallocation Study to the public. Comments on the proposal will be accepted through Wednesday, August 20. The meeting will be held at the Hill County Exhibits Building, located at 205 Stadium Drive in … Continue reading Lake Whitney reallocation meeting Thursday
Corps plans changes to hunting program
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) officials announced recently that the Whitney and Aquilla Lakes Project will be changing the administration procedures of the project’s public hunting program. The legacy website that has been used to manage the public hunting program at the Whitney and Aquilla Lakes Project for more than 20 years is being … Continue reading Corps plans changes to hunting program
Sales tax distributed to cities and counties
Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced last week that he will send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose districts $1.3 billion in local sales tax allocations for August, 5.2% more than in August 2024. Hill County's August allocation totaled $419,077, up 5.20% compared to last August. To date in 2025, the county's payments have … Continue reading Sales tax distributed to cities and counties
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