The Wood County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office will be getting a new location in the near future.

Wood County commissioners unanimously approved the $58,000 purchase of property by the new Wood County Annex which houses the Elections Office and Information Technology Department. The property is listed as lots 6A and 7C and block six of Quitman Townsites. There is a structure (house) at the corner of Smart Street and Goodwin Street which is to be removed within 90 days of closing. 

The tax office is located at the facility which housed Cain Funeral Home for many years next to the Sonic Drive-In on East Goode Street.

In a related matter, commissioners unanimously approved to advertise for a construction manager at-risk to oversee the design, planning and construction of the new tax office.

Concerning another matter, commissioners approved the tax exemption for Lake Country Playhouse, Inc. as a Texas Historical Landmark. The playhouse owns and operates the Select Theater in Mineola, and the exemption includes the structure and land.

A joint resolution of trial judges prohibiting the carrying of handguns in the courthouse was approved. The resolution states the judges of the district and county courts take all necessary action to prohibit the carrying of handguns in the Wood County courthouse except by law enforcement personnel and specifically excluding holders of handgun licenses from carrying handguns in the courthouse.

Also approved was the Bassmaster Agreement for the 2020 Lake Fork Tournament and addendum with the City of Quitman and Quitman Development Corporation and an agreement for the tournament with the Sabine River Authority.