By LARRY TUCKER

editor@wood.cm

A second hearing on the proposed property tax rate for the City of Quitman drew no public comments or participation last Thursday. 

“We will go forward and address the tax rate and the budget at our next meeting which has been moved from this week to Sept. 26,” City Administrator Rodney Kieke said.

The proposed tax rate for Quitman is 59.15 cents per $100 valuation. The property taxes contribute $1.7 million to the general revenue. Last year’s rate was 42.77 cents.

Among items in the new budget is a three percent across-the-board pay raise for city employees.

The Carroll Green Civic Center budget was increased by $1,000 for more maintenance and upgrades including a new sound system for the auditorium. The city took over daily operations of the civic center three years ago. The center was previously run by a board of directors.

The city has also discussed needed improvements at Gov. Jim Hogg City Park. The pavilion needs major repairs to the roof and the center post that anchors the structure. The estimated cost is $90,000 and the proposed budget includes $20,000 to aid in getting the project started. The Old Settlers Reunion board of directors has also discussed funding part of the project as well as seeking private donations.

The city also added a debt service amount to the property tax to help to retire bonds for a water transmission line and a sewer line.  

“One thing we took care of this year in our budget was to replace the water line coming in across Dry Creek,” Dunn noted. “We did that because of the old line and the pressure it carries with the water coming through. It would be really tough to repair if the old line ruptured. We couldn’t even get in there to repair it if it got really wet. 

“Overall, it is a very conservative budget, “Dunn said. “We have several employees who have been with us a long time and we wanted to take care of them.”