Brittany Kelley
SAN MARCOS — The Hays County Commissioners Court recognized several proclamations and held a public hearing for the new tax rate at its Sept. 2 meeting.
The first proclamation was to recognize September as Emergency Preparedness Awareness Month and was sponsored by Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra. The item acknowledged the lives lost in emergency situations, such as fires, floods, freezes, tornadoes and more, while also emphasizing the importance of residents having plans in place should these circumstances arise. These include communication strategies, emergency rendezvous locations, preparedness kits and taking into account the needs of family members.
Becerra also sponsored the proclamation recognizing Sept. 17-23 as Consitution Week and September as Suicide Prevention and Action Month.
“Research shows suicide is preventable through increased awareness, accessible mental health services, open dialogue and community support, whereas the Hays County Commissioners Court supports collaborative efforts to prevent suicide through education, outreach and promoting mental wellness … [and] promoting a culture of care and compassion throughout Hays County,” read the Suicide Prevention and Action Month proclamation.
Commissioner Morgan Hammer shared a personal story of her experience with suicide and loved ones, stating that the help her family member got through their difficult times was crucial.
Finally, commissioner Michelle Cohen recognized September as National Hunger Action Month, choosing to congratulate the Hays County Food Bank on the grand opening of its new location in San Marcos.
Additionally, Matthew Gonzales, Hays County Health Department director, shared that the county has begun partnering with the Central Texas Food Bank and the Hays County Food Bank through the Behavioral Health Program.
“We wanted to touch all aspects of a person’s environment that contributes to the overall well-being of individuals and try to dive deeper into food security, as it goes into a large role of an individual's physical and mental health,” said Gonzales. “As we talk about Hunger Awareness Month, I want to emphasize and encourage the court to think about these long-term strategies [to aid our community] and I invite you to have these dialogues and conversations with our behavior health coordinator … so we can try to solve this through all means.”
Tax rate public hearing
Although no public comment was given during the public hearing, budget officer Vickie Dorsett discussed the history of the tax rate in the county.
“Obviously one of the key components for the tax rate change is our voter approved bond programs. We have had various bond packages since 2001 and when the voters approve the bonds, those aren’t always issued at one time; they’re issued in tranches,” explained Dorsett.
These bonds are reflected in the growing need for services, she continued, as the county has experienced a 210% population increase since 2000. Despite this, the tax rate is actually lower than it was in 2000, when it was at $0.4539, as the court is proposing a $0.3999 tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year.
“It is less than a $0.05 tax increase [from last year] and when you consider: our federal cuts; for our grant revenue being down, which is almost a penny on the tax rate; the additional services that we’re providing, which is one and a quarter penny; and the debt and the vertical infrastructure at two and three quarters cent — if we didn’t have those items built into the budget, we would probably be lower than this,” Dorsett said.
Cohen weighed in on the tax increase, stating that it is simply part of the growth the county is experiencing and although it is difficult, it is needed.
The commissioners will meet next Sept. 16.
