Bandera County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the property tax rate at their September 26 meeting, after a delay in publishing the proposed increase.
“We will have a public hearing on the tax rate, propose to adopt the tax rate, and verify the tax increase,” said Bandera County Judge Richard Evans during Sept. 12’s court.
In other business on their September 12 meeting, Commissioners unanimously approved advertising for an Assistant County Attorney, contingent upon receiving $175,000 in funding from Senate Bill 22 (SB22), a state grant aimed at supporting rural law enforcement and legal offices.
County Attorney Janna Lindig stressed the importance of securing the funds before moving forward.
“None of this happens if we don’t get those funds,” she said, clarifying that the position is necessary to handle an increasing number of civil cases.
“In the long run, I think the county will end up saving money,” Lindig explained, adding that no county funds would be used for the salary or benefits of the new hire.
Judge Evans reinforced the importance of transparency in the hiring process, saying, “The advertisement should make it clear that this position is available only subject to funding from SB22.”
The Commissioners also passed a resolution supporting the Bandera County River Authority and Ground Water District’s (BCRAGD) permitting decisions, particularly regarding Camp OTX’s controversial request to triple its groundwater withdrawal.
Commissioner Jody Rutherford expressed concern over water scarcity.
“That’s our biggest problem — the water. We’re in a drought. We don’t have it, no matter what anybody says,” Rutherford stated, urging support for the water district.
Friends of Hondo Canyon, a local advocacy group, strongly oppose Camp OTX’s expansion, arguing the aquifer cannot sustain additional withdrawals.
“They don’t have the water resources to fill more lakes,” the group stated in opposition to the camp’s plans, which include filling man-made lakes and increasing capacity for 2,000 campers.
The court also approved a new policy allowing the County Auditor and Treasurer to accept donations up to $100 without requiring additional Commissioners Court approval.
Judge Evans noted, “This is just to say we got it, and we have to pay it.”
