Trying to stay on task can sometimes be a difficult job. Making sure that one blogs on a regular basis can also be difficult. My planned schedule is to post a blog every Monday. However, the best laid plans of mice and men sometimes just do not work out. Being sick for about ten days or so, on the campaign trail and my day job just have not left much time for blogging.
This year's "off year" election ballot in the Republican primary includes a number of non-binding resolutions that will be used by the "party" as a method to convey the party's grass roots' opinions to the elected officials. seems as though the issue of property tax reform has been grass roots for a long time, yet those in control have done little.
Ballot proposition #2 continues to push the cap tax and control government growth idea. What the GOP pundits fail to realize is that local government is already capped at eight percent. Any increase above that automatically triggers a rollback election. This eight percent is a reasonable amount that lets local government plan for the future and provide revenue to provide required services as well.
My Mother always told me that we should learn from our mistakes and others' mistakes as well. All one needs to do is take a look at California and see what this cap mentality has done to that state. Proposition 13 capped property taxes statewide in California, and inflation has not kept up with the rising costs of services putting California on the verge of bankruptcy.
I am afraid that redistricting during the 2011 Legislative session will overshadow any real move by the elected officials to make any meaningful changes to the property tax system. Add to the agenda balancing the state budget for the next two years and the folks in Austin will have all they can handle. Redistricting is important, but watching the state balance the budget on the backs of the taxpayers while those in power preach property tax reform is going to be interesting.
Speaking of the budget being balanced, local government is going to have to keep a close watch on our Austin leaders as unfunded mandates are one tool they often use to balance the state budget. Some years ago the state paid for 65% of local education cost and the taxpayers contributed 35%. Today the taxpayer is picking up 65+% and the state the remainder. By the way state redistributes local tax money to help meet their responsibility.
Maybe it is time we quit using the term "off year" election. Every election is important, and this one could well become an "on" year election for the voters if we turn out. It is time to take a look at those in Austin and make a move to change their thinking. It has been said that people do not want to be led from the left, or from the right, or for that matter from the middle. They want to lead themselves. They elect folks to do that for them.
Take a look at who is in Austin and consider their record, not their party. Could be time to vote for someone who still believes in government for the people by the people. With a little effort on our part this could be an "on" year election. Maybe it is time for a wake up call for some of those that proffer to serve at our pleasure.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Water Could Lower Tax Rate
Water is an issue in Milam County and will continue to be an issue in the future. No, I am not referring to the abundance of rain that we have had in recent months, but to the groundwater that lies beneath the southern half of the county.
Since taking office in 1999 water has been an issue, and our water has been in the cross-hairs of water entrepreneurs across the state. That was one of the reasons that the Commissioners Court lobbied during the 2001 legislative session for the creation of the Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District.
The district was created to protect our water resources. The board has recently come under fire from some citizens that feel they are not doing their job and conserving our water. This is based on the fact that the board has issued a number of permits that amount to a whole lot of water that could eventually be moved out of the district.
While the district has some control over groundwater within the district state law prohibits the district from preventing the export of groundwater from the district. While they can control the amount based on permitting, they can not totally ban the export of water.
The water issues in the state are very complicated. While we have local groundwater districts we also have regional planning groups. These groups are in charge of working with local to districts to formulate a plan that will manage the aquifers in the state on a regional basis.
The bottom line is that while some folks want all the water to stay in the district it just ain't gonna to happen. So what are some options or plans? Well, if you look at it from a regional basis, by the district permitting now they are actually saving, or dedicating the permitted water to a use. It might be leaving our district, but is is still under the control of the district and the local management plan.
That being said we will be loosing a valuable resource. So is there anything that the county could expect in return? I say yes. The water will be going to areas of the state that will benefit from economic development resulting form the availability of our water. The development will increase their tax base and allow for the lowering of that area's tax rate.
Currently the state has in place a severance tax on oil and gas. I would propose that we define a way to implement the same thing on water for counties. This income from the export of water from a county would then be dedicated, by law, to the reduction of property taxes. I call it the Vowell fee after the gentleman who gave me the idea. Even though we would be loosing our water we would still be benefiting from the use of our valuable resources.
During the last legislative session I visited with our state representatives about this idea. It was a bit late to get it into the legislative process, but this year it is going to be one of my priorities during the session. I can't tell you exactly what will come out of the process. However, my main goal would be to ease the tax burden on local taxpayers.
Since taking office in 1999 water has been an issue, and our water has been in the cross-hairs of water entrepreneurs across the state. That was one of the reasons that the Commissioners Court lobbied during the 2001 legislative session for the creation of the Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District.
The district was created to protect our water resources. The board has recently come under fire from some citizens that feel they are not doing their job and conserving our water. This is based on the fact that the board has issued a number of permits that amount to a whole lot of water that could eventually be moved out of the district.
While the district has some control over groundwater within the district state law prohibits the district from preventing the export of groundwater from the district. While they can control the amount based on permitting, they can not totally ban the export of water.
The water issues in the state are very complicated. While we have local groundwater districts we also have regional planning groups. These groups are in charge of working with local to districts to formulate a plan that will manage the aquifers in the state on a regional basis.
The bottom line is that while some folks want all the water to stay in the district it just ain't gonna to happen. So what are some options or plans? Well, if you look at it from a regional basis, by the district permitting now they are actually saving, or dedicating the permitted water to a use. It might be leaving our district, but is is still under the control of the district and the local management plan.
That being said we will be loosing a valuable resource. So is there anything that the county could expect in return? I say yes. The water will be going to areas of the state that will benefit from economic development resulting form the availability of our water. The development will increase their tax base and allow for the lowering of that area's tax rate.
Currently the state has in place a severance tax on oil and gas. I would propose that we define a way to implement the same thing on water for counties. This income from the export of water from a county would then be dedicated, by law, to the reduction of property taxes. I call it the Vowell fee after the gentleman who gave me the idea. Even though we would be loosing our water we would still be benefiting from the use of our valuable resources.
During the last legislative session I visited with our state representatives about this idea. It was a bit late to get it into the legislative process, but this year it is going to be one of my priorities during the session. I can't tell you exactly what will come out of the process. However, my main goal would be to ease the tax burden on local taxpayers.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Sales Tax Declining
Every month the Comptroller's Office sends out figures on sales tax collection across the state. The latest figures for the state were down 1.65 billion dollars for December 2009. That is an 11.6 percent decrease from a year ago. Sales tax revenue declined every month during 2009, except for the month of January.
Milam County sales tax was also down in 2009. During 2008 Milam County received $1,507,607.12 in revenue from sales tax, compared to $1,224,531.97 in 2009. This is a net loss of $283,075.15 in revenue to the county. Revenue that is dedicated to the reduction of ad valorem property taxes.
With the unemployment rate in Texas running 8.3% in December of 2009 it does not bode well for the future of sales tax revenues in Texas. Folks have to have a job to be able to spend so the state, counties and cities can collect the sales tax. No sales no tax.
Milam County will most likely see an increase in sales tax revenue for the months of February and March. Over 1,000 workers are being brought into the county for a shutdown. This will certainly help, but when the shutdown is completed the workers and their paychecks move on.
Bottom line is that unemployment and sales tax revenue are two indicators of the health of the economy. While many pundits say that we are moving into the recovery phase these two indicators do not necessarily agree.
Counties will not be as hard hit as the state. Texas depends on sales tax revenue to fund approximately 57 percent of the biennial budget. Big problem for the state is that what they predicted during the budgeting process in 2009 is off by almost 13% compared to the same time period last year.
In response to this projected shortfall all state agencies have been requested to find 5 percent that can be cut from their total budget. Agencies must reply to the request by February 15th. It is going to be interesting to see exactly what is cut.
The good news is that the counties will not be as severely affected by the decrease in sales tax revenue. Sales tax accounts for far less of a county's overall budget. The bad news is that if the economy does not turn around in the near future the overall economic decline will have an effect on counties across the entire state. If we get to that point it is going to be interesting to see what we cut.
Milam County sales tax was also down in 2009. During 2008 Milam County received $1,507,607.12 in revenue from sales tax, compared to $1,224,531.97 in 2009. This is a net loss of $283,075.15 in revenue to the county. Revenue that is dedicated to the reduction of ad valorem property taxes.
With the unemployment rate in Texas running 8.3% in December of 2009 it does not bode well for the future of sales tax revenues in Texas. Folks have to have a job to be able to spend so the state, counties and cities can collect the sales tax. No sales no tax.
Milam County will most likely see an increase in sales tax revenue for the months of February and March. Over 1,000 workers are being brought into the county for a shutdown. This will certainly help, but when the shutdown is completed the workers and their paychecks move on.
Bottom line is that unemployment and sales tax revenue are two indicators of the health of the economy. While many pundits say that we are moving into the recovery phase these two indicators do not necessarily agree.
Counties will not be as hard hit as the state. Texas depends on sales tax revenue to fund approximately 57 percent of the biennial budget. Big problem for the state is that what they predicted during the budgeting process in 2009 is off by almost 13% compared to the same time period last year.
In response to this projected shortfall all state agencies have been requested to find 5 percent that can be cut from their total budget. Agencies must reply to the request by February 15th. It is going to be interesting to see exactly what is cut.
The good news is that the counties will not be as severely affected by the decrease in sales tax revenue. Sales tax accounts for far less of a county's overall budget. The bad news is that if the economy does not turn around in the near future the overall economic decline will have an effect on counties across the entire state. If we get to that point it is going to be interesting to see what we cut.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
POSGCD
Water has been in the news in Milam County lately. Water is a major issue for all of Texas. As the population of Texas continues to grow water will eventually be one of the limiting factors as just how much growth the state can handle. It will also direct where this growth can occur.
I had the opportunity to spend the New Year's weekend with some friends in Wimberley, Texas. We also visited them earlier this summer and noticed that a majority of the creeks and streams that the area is famous for were dried up. Even the Blanco River was dry.
These spring feed water courses were affected by the drought, but also by the tremendous increase in population in the area. The increased demand for water has put a tremendous stress on the Edwards Aquifer that is the source of the springs that feed these waterways. Which had the most affect is anybody's guess, but you can be assured that an increasing population will continue to place an increased burden on the Edwards.
Most of Milam County is blessed with abundant ground water. The Simsboro Wilcox Aquifer system runs through Texas from the Texarkana area all the way to Laredo. This aquifer system is said to be one of the most abundant sources of groundwater in the state. Its abundance is one of the reasons that many speculators have their sights set on our water.
The Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District (POSGCD) was created by legislation in 2001. Leaders from Milam and Burleson Counties saw the need to protect our groundwater for the future and were actively involved in the creation of the district. A ground water district is the only avenue to protect the valuable water resources in our county.
There has been a great deal of discussion recently about the permitting of wells by the Directors of the groundwater district. While there are some that say this is wrong the truth is that it is one way to know what is going on with the aquifer. Another reality is that due to the importance of this aquifer system the state has mandated that it be managed on a regional basis. This will mean that districts within a region will have to come up with a regional management plan.
There is little doubt that the water issue is and will continue to be a major issue for the state. I feel that with the POSGCD working for us our water will be protected. This protection will insure that Milam County has sufficient water for future growth.
One issue with the board that has come to the forefront is the way that directors are appointed. The legislation creating the board does not provide for term limits or any special protocol for the appointment of directors.
Each county appoints five directors, one representing agriculture, one for industry, one for municipalities, one for water systems and one at large member. These directors are appointed by the commissioners court of each county.
During the coming weeks we will be meeting with representatives from POSGCD and Burleson County to discuss the manner in which board members are appointed. It is hoped that some guidelines might be adopted for an application process.
I had the opportunity to spend the New Year's weekend with some friends in Wimberley, Texas. We also visited them earlier this summer and noticed that a majority of the creeks and streams that the area is famous for were dried up. Even the Blanco River was dry.
These spring feed water courses were affected by the drought, but also by the tremendous increase in population in the area. The increased demand for water has put a tremendous stress on the Edwards Aquifer that is the source of the springs that feed these waterways. Which had the most affect is anybody's guess, but you can be assured that an increasing population will continue to place an increased burden on the Edwards.
Most of Milam County is blessed with abundant ground water. The Simsboro Wilcox Aquifer system runs through Texas from the Texarkana area all the way to Laredo. This aquifer system is said to be one of the most abundant sources of groundwater in the state. Its abundance is one of the reasons that many speculators have their sights set on our water.
The Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District (POSGCD) was created by legislation in 2001. Leaders from Milam and Burleson Counties saw the need to protect our groundwater for the future and were actively involved in the creation of the district. A ground water district is the only avenue to protect the valuable water resources in our county.
There has been a great deal of discussion recently about the permitting of wells by the Directors of the groundwater district. While there are some that say this is wrong the truth is that it is one way to know what is going on with the aquifer. Another reality is that due to the importance of this aquifer system the state has mandated that it be managed on a regional basis. This will mean that districts within a region will have to come up with a regional management plan.
There is little doubt that the water issue is and will continue to be a major issue for the state. I feel that with the POSGCD working for us our water will be protected. This protection will insure that Milam County has sufficient water for future growth.
One issue with the board that has come to the forefront is the way that directors are appointed. The legislation creating the board does not provide for term limits or any special protocol for the appointment of directors.
Each county appoints five directors, one representing agriculture, one for industry, one for municipalities, one for water systems and one at large member. These directors are appointed by the commissioners court of each county.
During the coming weeks we will be meeting with representatives from POSGCD and Burleson County to discuss the manner in which board members are appointed. It is hoped that some guidelines might be adopted for an application process.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
2009 in Review
Each year I like to take time to review or highlight some of the happenings in Mi;am County during the year. With 2009 just about in the record books there are several things that I feel have been significant during the past year.
Number one is that we survived another legislative session. This was one of those legislative years for Texas when a bunch of folks go to Austin for 140 days and attempt to create great havoc with local government.
This was an exceptional year for the legislature in that more bills than ever were filed, but very little "real" legislation was passed. There was so little getting done the Governor was forced to call a special session to make sure that the Texas Department of Transportation remained intact.
2009 was the department's year for Sunset Review, and the sun set before the legislature could get around to reviewing the agency. The special session continued the agency until the next regular session. After all, who would not want to continue a state agency that lost one billion dollars in an accounting error?
One of the biggest happenings in Milam County was the death of the Rockdale Loop Project. I am not exactly sure how long the project has been under consideration, but I do know that it created a lot of cussing and discussing among many of the local folks.
The loop is one of those issues that there are definitely two sides to. There was really no middle ground on this issue. Personally I have to side with those against the loop. History has shown what looping small towns can do to the local businesses. Then there are also those landowners whose property would be affected.
My biggest complaint with the project was the way it was handled by TXDOT. There was some public input, but very little "listening" by TXDOT to that input. It was more less this is the way it is going to be. Maybe next time the loop comes up, and there will be a next time it is just a matter of time, there will be land available south of town for the loop. A route across the reclaimed Sandow land would result in fewer individuals being affected by the loop and easier right of way purchase.
Housing of prisoners was another notable activity in Milam County in 2009. Aggressive efforts by Doug Veach Milam County Jail Administrator led to the housing of many inmates from other counties during the year. The results of his efforts brought over 350,000 dollars or revenue in for the county.
Another significant event for 2009 was the transition of Milam County law enforcement into the technology age. Concerted effort of the Commissioners Court and Sheriff's Office led to the purchase of laptop computers for all patrol cars.
In addition to the laptop computers we also contracted with a company named Cop-Sync for state of the art software. The new software allows access to a tremendous amount of information right in the car. Not only can they run all sort of checks on drivers and autos the software also allows the main dispatcher and other officers to know where each vehicle is at any particular time.
A final even, well actually more than just one event, was the receipt of a number of different grants during the year. Just over 837,000 dollars came int Milam County during the year. These grants were from a number of different Federal and State governmental agencies and programs. Some were reimbursement grants for funds expended during emergency operations and other grants have provided for equipment and training for our emergency responders.
All in all it has been a good year, and I would like to take time to wish each and everyone a very happy and prosperous 2010.
Number one is that we survived another legislative session. This was one of those legislative years for Texas when a bunch of folks go to Austin for 140 days and attempt to create great havoc with local government.
This was an exceptional year for the legislature in that more bills than ever were filed, but very little "real" legislation was passed. There was so little getting done the Governor was forced to call a special session to make sure that the Texas Department of Transportation remained intact.
2009 was the department's year for Sunset Review, and the sun set before the legislature could get around to reviewing the agency. The special session continued the agency until the next regular session. After all, who would not want to continue a state agency that lost one billion dollars in an accounting error?
One of the biggest happenings in Milam County was the death of the Rockdale Loop Project. I am not exactly sure how long the project has been under consideration, but I do know that it created a lot of cussing and discussing among many of the local folks.
The loop is one of those issues that there are definitely two sides to. There was really no middle ground on this issue. Personally I have to side with those against the loop. History has shown what looping small towns can do to the local businesses. Then there are also those landowners whose property would be affected.
My biggest complaint with the project was the way it was handled by TXDOT. There was some public input, but very little "listening" by TXDOT to that input. It was more less this is the way it is going to be. Maybe next time the loop comes up, and there will be a next time it is just a matter of time, there will be land available south of town for the loop. A route across the reclaimed Sandow land would result in fewer individuals being affected by the loop and easier right of way purchase.
Housing of prisoners was another notable activity in Milam County in 2009. Aggressive efforts by Doug Veach Milam County Jail Administrator led to the housing of many inmates from other counties during the year. The results of his efforts brought over 350,000 dollars or revenue in for the county.
Another significant event for 2009 was the transition of Milam County law enforcement into the technology age. Concerted effort of the Commissioners Court and Sheriff's Office led to the purchase of laptop computers for all patrol cars.
In addition to the laptop computers we also contracted with a company named Cop-Sync for state of the art software. The new software allows access to a tremendous amount of information right in the car. Not only can they run all sort of checks on drivers and autos the software also allows the main dispatcher and other officers to know where each vehicle is at any particular time.
A final even, well actually more than just one event, was the receipt of a number of different grants during the year. Just over 837,000 dollars came int Milam County during the year. These grants were from a number of different Federal and State governmental agencies and programs. Some were reimbursement grants for funds expended during emergency operations and other grants have provided for equipment and training for our emergency responders.
All in all it has been a good year, and I would like to take time to wish each and everyone a very happy and prosperous 2010.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Census 2010
Several folks have asked me how often I intend to update, or re-blog or whatever the proper term is for posting a new blog, and the honest answer is that I really cannot say. Probably going to be one of those round-to-it things, or whenever something comes along that makes me feel like blogging.
Just finished a big family Christmas celebration with the wife's in-laws in Marble Falls. You never really know just how small a house is until you get everyone in for the holidays. Holidays are always a good time to update on just what family is doing. See the new additions such as children grandchildren spouses and sometimes even pets. Helps keep count of just how big the family is.
Speaking of keeping count there is something just around the corner that deals with keeping count and is important to each and every person in Milam County. For that matter it is important to each and every citizen in this country.
Census 2010 will begin in earnest next year, and preparations are already underway to make sure that we get a good count. This event that takes place every ten years is so important that planning began in 2007. It is essential that we get a good count in Texas and Milam County, because not only will it tell us who's here and how many of us there are it will also be the basis that federal funding is based on for the next ten years.
The 2010 Census is on the horizon and the U.S. Census Bureau wants to ensure that everyone is counted. In an effort to make sure that everyone is counted an immense education process is underway. By being informed about the census and better understanding the census process, residents are more likely to respond to the census questionnaire.
Complete Count Committees are one tool that is being used across the country to help increase Census response. The Complete Count Committee (CCC) Program is key to making this happen in communities all across the country. CCCs incorporate local knowledge, influence and possible resources to educate residents and promote the census through a locally-based and targeted outreach and promotion effort.
Everyone should make an effort to inform their friends and family about the importance of completing the 2010 Census. Many individuals are concerned about responding to the Census because they feel that the information contained in the Census might be used for something else. Federal law prohibits the disclosure of anyone person's individual information.
Basically, this means NO IRS, NO IMMIGRATION, NO CIA, NO FBI, NO POLICE, NO WELFARE, NO COURT, NO HOMELAND SECURITY, NO FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, NOT EVEN THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES can access and identify any individual and the responses provided.
Another good thing about the 2010 Census is that this will be the shortest Census form ever. Also the simplest to complete. Take time to educate yourself and family and friends to the importance of completing and returning the 2010 Census form. It is important to the nation the state and Milam County.
Just finished a big family Christmas celebration with the wife's in-laws in Marble Falls. You never really know just how small a house is until you get everyone in for the holidays. Holidays are always a good time to update on just what family is doing. See the new additions such as children grandchildren spouses and sometimes even pets. Helps keep count of just how big the family is.
Speaking of keeping count there is something just around the corner that deals with keeping count and is important to each and every person in Milam County. For that matter it is important to each and every citizen in this country.
Census 2010 will begin in earnest next year, and preparations are already underway to make sure that we get a good count. This event that takes place every ten years is so important that planning began in 2007. It is essential that we get a good count in Texas and Milam County, because not only will it tell us who's here and how many of us there are it will also be the basis that federal funding is based on for the next ten years.
The 2010 Census is on the horizon and the U.S. Census Bureau wants to ensure that everyone is counted. In an effort to make sure that everyone is counted an immense education process is underway. By being informed about the census and better understanding the census process, residents are more likely to respond to the census questionnaire.
Complete Count Committees are one tool that is being used across the country to help increase Census response. The Complete Count Committee (CCC) Program is key to making this happen in communities all across the country. CCCs incorporate local knowledge, influence and possible resources to educate residents and promote the census through a locally-based and targeted outreach and promotion effort.
Everyone should make an effort to inform their friends and family about the importance of completing the 2010 Census. Many individuals are concerned about responding to the Census because they feel that the information contained in the Census might be used for something else. Federal law prohibits the disclosure of anyone person's individual information.
Basically, this means NO IRS, NO IMMIGRATION, NO CIA, NO FBI, NO POLICE, NO WELFARE, NO COURT, NO HOMELAND SECURITY, NO FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, NOT EVEN THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES can access and identify any individual and the responses provided.
Another good thing about the 2010 Census is that this will be the shortest Census form ever. Also the simplest to complete. Take time to educate yourself and family and friends to the importance of completing and returning the 2010 Census form. It is important to the nation the state and Milam County.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
First Time Out
Here I go where I have never gone before. I’ve been playing with computers for a long time and have heard about blogs, but this will be my first my first attempt at blogging.
The idea came to me when I was looking for a way to stay in touch with folks in Milam County, and to let them know what is going on inside Milam County on a regular and timely basis. I do a regular radio program on the local stations KMIL and KRXT, and, until recently, I wrote a weekly column on county business in the two local newspapers.
But, there’s this pesky election coming up ... and, since I will be opposed in the general election, the local papers wanted to be fair and not give me any “free” press they weren’t prepared to give my challenger. Therefore, my column will be on hold for the duration of the election.
However, this put me at a loss for a way to stay in touch with folks in the county. I have always believed in trying to keep the public aware of what is going on in county government. After all, I work for you and need to keep the bosses up to date.
Anyway, the point is, I will post a new blog on Milam County government at least on a weekly basis, maybe more often, if I can get my head around this new-fangled medium. If you are "tuning in" for the first time, please will let your friends know about my blog because I really mean it when I say I believe the people need to know what their government does in their name.
Thanks!
The idea came to me when I was looking for a way to stay in touch with folks in Milam County, and to let them know what is going on inside Milam County on a regular and timely basis. I do a regular radio program on the local stations KMIL and KRXT, and, until recently, I wrote a weekly column on county business in the two local newspapers.
But, there’s this pesky election coming up ... and, since I will be opposed in the general election, the local papers wanted to be fair and not give me any “free” press they weren’t prepared to give my challenger. Therefore, my column will be on hold for the duration of the election.
However, this put me at a loss for a way to stay in touch with folks in the county. I have always believed in trying to keep the public aware of what is going on in county government. After all, I work for you and need to keep the bosses up to date.
Anyway, the point is, I will post a new blog on Milam County government at least on a weekly basis, maybe more often, if I can get my head around this new-fangled medium. If you are "tuning in" for the first time, please will let your friends know about my blog because I really mean it when I say I believe the people need to know what their government does in their name.
Thanks!
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