County budget is $19 million
2 public hearings called Sept. 10, 17 for tax rate
BY GLORIA JENNINGS

Following a public hearing Monday morning Cherokee County Commissioners adopted a $19,228,634 county budget.

The budget will be financed with a 61 cent tax rate, which is expected to be adopted next month. Two public hearings will be held on the tax rate, the first on Sept. 10 and the second on Sept. 17.

The proposed tax rate is one cent less than the rate adopted in 2005 and 2006.

The budget last year totaled $17,083,397, which is $2,145,237 less than the new budget.

The budget adopted Monday includes $12,823,844 in the general fund; $572,738 in road and bridge undivided; $293,000 in the health department, a $565,621 drop from last year's budget; $3,408,047 in precincts 1,2,3 and 4, which is $400,000 more than last year's budget; $63,562 for the airport, a $45,312 drop from last year's budget; $99,199 in solid waste; $60,644 in license and weight; $710,000 in permanent improvements; $566,600 in indigent health care; $619,000 in contractual obligations; and $12,000 in the historical commission budget, which is the exact amount as was budgeted last year.

Increases were seen in the general fund in the amount of $1,763,209; road and bridge undivided in the amount of $85,981; $400,000 in Precincts 1,2,3 and 4; $13,136 in solid waste; $2,594 in license and weight; $430,000 in permanent improvement; $50,250 in indigent health; and $11,000 in contractual obligations.

Drops seen included $565,621 in the health department; and $45,312 in the airport.

County Judge Chris Davis explained to those in the audience that the new budget includes renovation of the county building in Jacksonville and the courtroom at the Alto office. Radio repeaters will be installed to cover the north end of the county.

A new drug officer and deputy will be hired for the sheriff 's office. Also, there will be an extra one and half dispatchers added to the sheriff department's staff.

The budget includes a $15,000 contribution to the Klein Animal Shelter in Jacksonville. The donation will be given to the shelter after the county contracts with them.

During the regular commissioners court meeting an amendment for the current budget was approved to allow $800 expenses for a court-at-law employee to attend training.An interlocal agreement with Wells ISD was approved to allow for help in spreading sand on the school playground. Laying of utility lines in Precinct 3 was approved. Election judges and alternates for the Nov. 6 election were approved.Interlocal agreements were approved with the City of Rusk and Alto ISD to hold special elections. A temporary branch, early voting polling place, at Jacksonville Middle School was approved. An election is expected to be called for a school bond election.

The consent agenda approved included monthly report of Joe Self, constable Precinct 4; and a plat for Cyndi Oden subdivision for the Jacksonville Club Lake Lease Lot. Attending the meeting were Judge Davis; Commissioners Mary Gregg, Kevin Pierce, Moody Glass III and Byron Underwood; County Clerk Lavern Lusk; and County Auditor L.H. Crockett.

Commissioners regularly meet on the second and fourth Mondays of the month.