Commissioners Court
The Hopkins County Commissioners Court met at 9 a.m. Monday in a regular session and, among other items, set dates for two public hearings to discuss the 2019-2020 proposed property tax rate.
Although the proposed county tax rate for 2019-2020 will remain the same at 62.4892 cents per $100, hearings are required. The two dates set for public hearings on the proposed tax rate will be Monday, Aug. 26 at 9 a.m., during the court’s regular session, and Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 9 a.m. in a special session.
Commissioners conducted a public hearing regarding the District Clerk’s Technology Fund, enacted with Texas Senate Bill 1685 in 2009, which allows the district clerk to collect a fee of up to $10, added into court costs, to fund the preservation and restoration of the district clerk’s records.
The commissioners also approved an interlocal contract between Hopkins and Lubbock counties regarding the county’s capital murder insurance. The agreement was originally made in 2010 as a way to protect Hopkins County against major financial liabilities stemming from capital murder cases in which public defenders are appointed. The program works like an insurance policy.
The commissioners also approved payment of bills, revenues, expenses, payroll and financial statements; and four utility easements, which Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom described as proof that Hopkins County is growing.
Commissioners court will meet next at 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 26 in the first floor courtroom of the Hopkins County Courthouse.