County hosts public hearing for tax rate; looks at elections requirements

Tuesday’s Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing at 1 p.m. about the new tax rate for the Fiscal Year 2021 budget. They will also discuss election requirements after receiving a constituent concern. 

The no new revenue tax rate would be 40.43 cents per every $100 of taxable property  however the proposed rate in the new budget is 42.12 cents. The new rate is a slight reduction from FY2020’s rate of 42.37 cents. 

Fire Marshall Nathan Mendenhall lifted the current burn ban Thursday through the Labor Day Holiday Weekend after 90% of Hays County received more than an inch of rain and 50% of the county received two inches or more from storms. He will bring back recommendations to the court as to whether the ban should remain lifted or be reinstated.

In preparation for the November General Election, the commissioners will vote on awarding an election forms printing contract to AGM Printing as well as consider creating five temporary election worker positions for three weeks starting Sept. 16. 

These positions would assist with ballot by mail requests and would be funded by the CARES Help America Vote Act (HAVA) Funding. The elections office expects an increase in ballot by mail requests because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In other business, the Kyle Parks and Recreation Department has requested $3,500 to add signage to the Plum Creek Trail, which will eventually connect Upland to the Blanco River.

The commissioners will likely reappoint Commissioner Lon Shell and Debbie Ingalsbe to the Greater San Marcos Partnership Board of Directors.