Milam County sets budget, tax rate for coming year

Milam County Commissioners set the budget and tax rate for the coming year during a meeting on Monday, Sept. 11.

Commissioners voted 3-1 to adopt the 2024 Milam County budget as presented. 

The budget will raise more money than last year by nearly 9 percent or a little more than $1.38 million. 

Precinct 4 Commissioner Wesley Payne was the only dissenting vote. 

During discussion on the budget prior to voting, Payne asked why the Health Department Director did not get a raise. County Judge Bill Whitmire noted it was because he had received a significant raise the year before and was making more than every elected official. 

After adopting the budget, the Court voted to adopt a total tax rate of of 61.32 cents per $100 valuation for the coming year.

The Maintenance and Operations portion of the tax rate at 56.66 cents per $100 valuation and the Debt Service portion at 4.66 cents per $100 valuation.

Commissioners also approved the salaries of elected county and precinct officials to include a cost of living adjustment increase along with Sheriff and Constable fees for the coming year. 

Commissioners also once again discussed the future of HOP transportation services in the county, but tabled any decition.

Whitmire said he has sent a letter requesting the Cities of Cameron and Rockdale and the school districts in Cameron and Rockdale assist with covering funding because those entities see the most use.

Whitmire said Rockdale ISD and the City of Cameron have both declined to participate and he was still awaiting word from Cameron ISD and the City of Rockdale.

In other business the court also: approved the purchase of a 2023 3/4 ton 4x4 diesel pickup in Precinct 1 in the amount of $56,000; approved various utility installations; and approved the purchase of protective vests for three of the four county constables.