At the August 22 Commissioner’s Court meeting, Judge Richard Evans announced a 4-cent reduction in Bandera County’s 2024-2025 tax rate, contributing to a cumulative 16-cent decrease over the past three years—a 23% reduction.
According to the written proposed budget, this budget will raise more revenue from property taxes than last year’s budget by $1,496,2502 (a 7.63% increase) and of that amount, $464,573 is tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax role this year.
Evans reminded all departments to review the budget carefully because mistakes do occur and to ask all their questions now.
“We are looking at a public hearing in two weeks, so at that point if we have any more adjustments, they can be written out to the court.”, said County Auditor, Darryl Sadler.
The public hearing on the County Budget will be held on September 5th at 10:00 A.M., followed by a September 12th meeting to formally adopt the County Budget and the tax rate.
In other agenda business, the court authorized Couty Engineer Dieter Werner to issue a request for Competitive Sealed Proposals for the demolition and reconstruction of the bridge at Wharton’s Dock Road and San Julian Creek.
During the Convention & Visitor’s Bureau (CVB) presentation of their third quarter financials, Director Patricia Moore requested a letter of support from the Court.
Moore explained that they are taking advantage of a new endeavor by the state of Texas.
“It’s the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, tourism division. They have started a new program called Tourism Friendly. It will go to the city, versus going to the county. But we are definitely asking for you all’s support of a letter of recommendation because that’s another feather to hang in our cap.”
According to CVB Manager Carita Jundt, Governor Abbott wants to promote Texas tourist destinations.
“Bandera is definitely one of them with 44% of our sales tax revenue in tourism dollars. We already have that Cowboy Capital recognition,” said Jundt, who verified that they are filling out the application, which will also require support letters from museums, businesses and organizations.
Per the Governor’s Office, Abbott invites interested Texas communities to submit a letter of intent to begin the certification process.
According to Travel Texas Director Tim Fennell, “The Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation is an opportunity for communities across Texas to show their commitment to tourism as an economic development strategy and continue to develop the many diverse attractions and experiences that draw visitors to the Lone Star State.”
In other business commissioners voted all in favor for the Sheriff’s Department to apply for grant funding under Texas Senate Bill SB22 for applicable positions in the Sheriff’s Office.
According to Butts, the grant will be for $350K, which will be divided $5,500 to each deputy and the Sheriff, and $4,500 to each jailer.
The court also accepted a $250 donation for the EMS Department, contributed by Bandera Electric Co-Op.
