Wood County commissioners continued working on the county budget and proposed a new tax rate for county residents last week

The proposed rate of 46.25 cents per $100 valuation two cents lower than last year’s rate of 48.25 cents.

County Judge Kevin White said, “The budget is the work of a lot of different people spending their time evaluating the needs of the county. It is to come up with the best solution at the lowest cost we can to the taxpayer.”

A public hearing is set for Sept. 7 at 9 a.m. in the county courtroom. The budget hearing will begin at 9 a.m. and the tax rate will be considered and voted on at 9:30 a.m. The public hearing is the opportunity for the public to attend the proceedings.

In last week’s budget workshop commissioners discussed the needs for a lieutenant and two more jailers for the sheriff’s department. 

They discussed the addition of a person in the Information Technology Department. 

They also discussed the possibility of adding a full-time person to Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Jody Hettich’s office. Also discussed was a postage increase in justice of the peace Precinct 3.

In last week’s regular meeting, commissioners acknowledged personnel moves. Cassandra Bridges resigned as the victim’s coordinator in the District Attorney’s Office and Amanda McKinney will become the victim’s coordinator. In the sheriff’s department, Brandi Hood was hired as a jailer replacing the position previously held by Thomas Hammond, and Benjamin George will fill the deputy position previously held by Kevin Atkinson. 

Three public hearings were set for Sept. 19 concerning lots at Holly Lake Ranch.

A resolution authorizing the submission of a grant request through the County Feral Hog Abatement Grant Program was approved. 

An agreement with Xerox was approved for the Wood County District’s Office. Constable and treasurer’s reports were approved.

Commissioners approved  a contract with the Department of Health Services for vital statistics ending Aug. 31, 2027.

In a budget workshop following the meeting, commissioners decided to add a jailer to Capt. Louis Dahlman’s request. As jail expansion is on the horizon, more officers will be needed to secure the jail.