Bosque commissioners clarify tax assessor-collectors responsibilities

The Bosque County Commissioners Court adopted an order clarifying the responsibilities of the Tax Assessor-Collector for managing funds during its regular session on Monday, July 1, 2024.

Bosque County Commissioner Precinct 1 Ronny Liardon moved for adoption, seconded by Commissioner Precinct 3 Larry Philipp, with unanimous approval.

The order read: Pursuant to Attorney General opinion No. JC-0231; 'The tax assessor-collector is required to deposit the taxes collected by that officer in the county depository and controls those funds pending their transfer to the appropriate taxing unit, including the county.' TEX LOC. GOV'T CODE ANN. §116.113(b) (Vernon 1999); TEX TAX CODE ANN§ 31.l0(a) (Vernon 1992).

During the meeting, the court also approved moving the depository accounts for the Tax Assessor-Collector from Sunflower Bank to Citizens Bank.

Commissioner Philipp made the motion, seconded by Bosque County Commissioner Precinct 1 Bill Hall, and it was approved unanimously.

Bosque County Tax Assessor-Collector Arlene Swiney detailed challenges in the transition due to the bank's communication issues but expressed confidence in resolving them soon.

Monthly auditor's report The court received and filed the May 2024 Monthly Report from County Auditor Jesse Jobes. Commissioner Hall moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Philipp, and it passed unanimously.

4-H program change The court changed the 4-H Program Assistant’s status from salary exempt to hourly. Commissioner Liardon made the motion, seconded by Commissioner Townley, with unanimous approval. The change aligns with updated FLSA standards, as explained by HR Director Darcie Ragsdale.

Presentation of quilts Diane Merghardt from the Bosque County Cowboy Church's S.W.A.G. group presented quilts to Bosque County Sheriff Trace Hendricks.

'Our group makes prayer quilts for those in need, and this will be a continuous effort,' Merghardt said.

Encroachment permits

The court approved two encroachment permit applications from Oncor Electric at 145 CR 2700 in Precinct 2.

Commissioner Townley moved to approve the permits for the east and south entrances, respectively, with seconds from Commissioners Philipp and Liardon. Both motions passed unanimously.

Financial claims

The court approved the payment of claims, salaries, and wages against county funds. Commissioner Hall moved to approve, and Commissioner Philipp seconded the motion.

Similarly, the court approved payment against precinct funds, with Commissioner Liardon making the motion and Commissioner Townley seconding it. Both motions passed unanimously.

Emergency management report Kirk Turner, the Bosque County Emergency Management Coordinator, reported on Hurricane Beryl, indicating it was too early to predict its impact but warned of potential heavy rainfall. He also noted an increase in wildfire risk due to rapidly drying vegetation. Commissioner Hall mentioned closing the bridge on CR 1190 due to structural issues, explaining, 'It has dropped down 12 inches. The culverts are cracked, and it's just a matter of time before something heavy goes across and it completely collapses.'

Local disaster declarations

The court extended the COVID-19 Declaration of Local Disaster and the Heavy Rain and Flooding Declaration for an additional seven days each.

Commissioner Philipp and Commissioner Liardon made the respective motions, both seconded by Commissioner Hall and Commissioner Townley, and approved unanimously.