County’s first tax hearing lacks attendance

No members of the public were in attendance for the first public hearing on Young County’s proposed tax rate at the county courthouse on Monday.

During the Aug. 12 Commissioner’s Court meeting, the commissioners voted to set the proposed tax rate at $0.772500 per $100 assessed. This is below the rollback rate of $0.772584, but higher than last year’s rate of $0.758613. The effective rate is currently set at $0.714957.

However, the Commissioner’s Court noted they normally set the proposed rate just below the rollback rate because they are still working on their budget and can always come down, but cannot raise the proposed rate if the budget requires them to do so.

Because of their proposed tax rate, the county is required to hold two public hearings about the rate to give the public a chance to voice their opinion. The first of which was held on Monday with nobody attending to speak on the matter.

Young County Judge John Bullock opened the forum for public comment and waited for a minute then reminded those in attendance of the next hearing before asking for a motion to close the hearing. Precinct 4 Commissioner Jimmy Wiley made the motion and was seconded by Pct. 3 Commissioner Stacey Rogers.

The second public hearing will be held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, in the county courtroom at 516 Fourth St., Room 106, in Graham. The county will also hold a budget adoption public hearing on Monday, Sept. 9, at the same time and place.

For the rest of the story, see the Wednesday, Aug. 28 edition of The Graham Leader.