David M. Hullum

The Commissioners Court determined that circumstances present in the unincorporated area of the county create a public safety hazard exacerbated by outdoor burning and ordered a ban on outdoor burning in the unincorporated area of the county. The order does not prohibit outdoor burning activities related to public health and safety authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for firefighter training, public utility, natural gas pipeline, mining operations, planting or harvesting of agricultural crops or burns conducted by a prescribed burn manager certified under Section 153.048, Natural Resources Code, and meet the standards of Section 153.047, Natural Resources Code.

The Eastland County held public hearings to discuss a proposal to increase total tax revenues from properties. The proposal suggests a 2.7 percent increase from the preceding tax year. Discussions covered the average taxable value of a residence homestead, taxes imposed based on the current and effective tax rates, and enhanced indigent health care expenditures.

The document presents the Eastland County General Fund budget for the years 2009, 2010, and projected budgets for 2011. It details various revenue sources such as current and delinquent taxes, licenses and permits, intergovernmental revenue including state supplements and grants, charges for services, fines and forfeitures, and other miscellaneous revenue sources like interest and sales income. The budget also outlines expenditures for different county departments including the Commissioners' Court, County Clerk, Veterans Service Officer, Non-Departmental expenses, County Court, District Court, District Clerk, and various Justice of the Peace offices. Expenses include salaries, social security taxes, group insurance, retirement contributions, office supplies, travel expenses, and other operational costs.

The proposed budget will raise more property tax revenue than last year's budget. Tax revenue will be increased. The amount of tax revenue to be raised on new construction will be a portion of the total increase. The budget includes various revenues such as current taxes, delinquent taxes, wine and liquor licenses, birth certificates, boat and marriage licenses, state supplements for judge salaries, jury reimbursements, SCAAP awards, indigent defense grants, visual recording fees, occupational license fees, HAVA grants, tobacco settlements, DA longevity reimbursement, and indigent health reimbursement.

The Commissioners Court will hold a Public Hearing to consider a plan to continue funding the preservation and restoration of the County and District Clerk's Records Archive. The hearing will also address setting the Records Archival fee for both offices at $10.00 per document, and the District Clerk's Technology Fund at $10.00.