Archive - Aug 7, 2012 - News Article
Big Spring city officials are adopting a “just say no” approach to tax increases this coming year.
The city council gave its tentative approval to a new budget that is both balanced and features a slight dip in the tax rate during its annual workshop Monday night.
Among other things, the new budget features a pay raise for employees (the first in two years), $500,000 for water line replacement, set-aside money to purchase property for landfill use and almost $4 million designated for water purchases.
Howard County commissioners approved a slight increase in the tax levy during their budget workshop Monday morning.
Commissioner gave a tentative OK to a new tax rate of 33 cents per $100 valuation, a sharp decrease from 43.7 cents the previous year. Because of of higher property valuations, however, the new rate will bring in more tax money.
The higher levy will not automatically translate into increased tax bills, County Judge Mark Barr quickly noted.
“Some people will see a tax decrease,” he said. “Mineral values account for more than half of the tax (levy) increase.”
The Big Spring Police Department reported the following activity between 7 a.m. Monday and 7 a.m. today:
• NICOLE ASHLEE WADE, 26, of Odessa, was arrested Monday on a charge of graffiti-pecuniary loss less than $500.
• RACHEL RAMIREZ RODRIGUEZ, 33, of 1002 N. Main St. 1, was arrested Monday on a warrant for no drivers license when unlicensed, bail jumping/failure to appear/fine only (two counts), failed to maintain financial responsibility.
• THEFT was reported:
In the 600 block of N.E. Second Street.
In the 1700 block of S. Monticello.
In the 800 block of W. Sixth.
