Quitman aldermen proposed a new property tax rate for the city and annexed 1.727 acres at 163 County Road 2110 Thursday.

The proposed tax rate was set at $.5257 per $100 valuation. The proposal is .3475 for maintenance and operations, with interest and sinking at $.1782 to repay debts. The total is slightly down from last year’s $.5436.

Alderman Steve Glenn abstained from the annexation vote because the residential property belongs to him. Aldermen voted unanimously to annex the property into the city.

Alderman tabled two items. The vote on the 2024 Quitman investment policy was tabled. Aldermen tabled participation of the Quitman Development Corporation in funding Wood County Airport runway extension.

Airport manager Dr. John Wisdom explained the airport, due to support from State Rep. Cole Hefner, received $8 million for the runway extension but must match with 10%, which would be $800,000.

“My understanding is this has to go back to the QDC board for approval,” said Mayor Randy Dunn. The board had given its approval informally last Monday.

Quitman’s share is about $100,000.

On another matter, Wisdom gave an update on the Quitman-Lake Fork Kiwanis efforts to begin working on the walking and biking trail through the wooded area south of Brookshire’s and east of the Quitman City Cemetery.

“We are going to start constructing the trail in about two weeks,” Wisdom noted. ”We are also going to add a dog park as part of the trail.”

The council approved amending zone B-2 for general business and R-3 for multi-family residential. This includes the possibility to build lofts in the downtown area.

The council approved a resolution of the negotiated settlement between the ATMOS  Cities Steering Committee and ATMOS Energy Corporation. Also approved was a one-year maintenance agreement for 9-1-1 addressing with the East Texas Council of Governments. 

City Administrator James Attaway was appointed to the Wood County Airport Board.