In a recent government meeting, officials ratified a tax increase and adopted the budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, which includes a significant rise in property tax revenue. The budget, presented by Commissioner Edwin Smith Graham IV, features a maintenance and operations tax rate of 0.586353 and a projected increase in property tax revenue of $807,949, marking a 10.7% rise from the previous year. The budget is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.

The meeting also addressed the opening of sealed bids for the renovation of the auditor's office. The only bid received was from Man Made Construction of Bridgeport, Texas, totaling $398,000, which exceeds initial estimates. The proposal includes comprehensive renovations, such as new flooring and addressing a leaking roof drain that has caused ongoing issues. Officials acknowledged the need for further evaluation of the bid and potential cost-saving measures before making a final decision.

Additionally, the meeting included a report on hotel occupancy tax revenue, which amounted to $4,813.95 for July 2024, and the approval of minutes from the previous meeting. Public comments were solicited but none were received, leading to a swift progression through the agenda. The commission plans to revisit the renovation bid in future discussions to ensure a thorough assessment of the project’s requirements and costs.