With the economic recession, many counties will experience a reduction in property values for this year. This will create a serious dilemma: Either 1) increase the tax rate or 2) reduce the budget. Most will, once again, attempt to reduce the budget to avoid increasing the tax rate during this … [Read more...] about County Budgets and the Down Economy
Revenue Related
Counties Receive $5.7 Million in Tobacco Money
Article Goes Here! Economic Climate Impacts Distribution Amount The Tobacco Settlement Permanent Trust Account Investment Advisory Committee approved $46.2 million for the year 2010 tobacco settlement distribution. According to the distribution report published by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), 163 counties received about $5.7 million in … [Read more...] about Counties Receive $5.7 Million in Tobacco Money
Delinquent Fines and Fees
Collection Programs Boost County Coffers As former president of the Governmental Collectors Association of Texas, Nadine Jenkins is an expert when it comes to fine and fee collection. As founder and current president of the National Governmental Collectors Association (NGCA), Jenkins has learned just how good Texas is doing. “When compared to other … [Read more...] about Delinquent Fines and Fees
Revenue Caps in a Down Economy
For the first time in the career of many county and state officials the state total property tax valuation will decline this year. In many counties this decline will prompt a painful choice: 1) Reduce the county budget or 2) Increase the tax rate to maintain current revenues. Rather than increase … [Read more...] about Revenue Caps in a Down Economy
Healthy Employees, Healthier Budget
Counties Implement Wellness Programs, Realize Taxpayer Savings Ector County Judge Susan Redford described it as “the most successful program we’ve implemented in years, by far.” Midland County Commissioner Randy Prude touted the dual benefits of significant taxpayer savings … [Read more...] about Healthy Employees, Healthier Budget