Closure ·
Caldwell County Commissioners discussed the 2024 Transportation Bond Election, tax abatement guidelines, the burn ban, a CDL training lot and approved actions related to grants at their Aug. 13 regular meeting. (Pictured l-r: Pct. 1 Commissioner B.J. Westmoreland, Pct. 2 Commissi…
Caldwell County Commissioners discussed the 2024 Transportation Bond Election, tax abatement guidelines, the burn ban, a CDL training lot and approved actions related to grants at their Aug. 13 regular meeting.
(Pictured l-r: Pct. 1 Commissioner B.J. Westmoreland, Pct. 2 Commissioner Rusty Horne, County Judge Hoppy Haden, Pct. 3 Commissioner Ed Theriot, Pct. 4 Commissioner Dyral Thomas)
Upcoming meetings
Tuesday, Aug. 27
Tuesday, Sept. 10
Tuesday, Sept. 24
County to hold Bond Election for road improvement projects
Caldwell County voters will decide on November 5 whether to pass a bond issue of up to $150 million to make key improvements to roadways, bridges and low-water crossings located throughout the county. If voters pass the ballot measure, the cost to the average homeowner is estimated at about four cents. Commissioners unanimously voted to order the election at Tuesday’s regular meeting in time for the Aug. 19 deadline to include it on the ballot. In related matters, commissioners tabled a decision on a public information program for the 2024 Transportation Bond but will reopen the item for discussion at their Aug. 27 regular meeting.
Commissioners reauthorize tax abatement, reinvestment zone guidelines
The county’s Tax Abatement and Reinvestment Zone Guidelines and Criteria have been reauthorized following action taken in court by Caldwell County Commissioners. The guidelines and criteria for tax abatement agreements -- important tools for encouraging economic development -- are good through August 2026. Pursuant to Chapter 312 of the state’s tax code, such abatements are local agreements between a taxpayer and a taxing unit that exempt increases in the value of the properties from taxation for up to 10 years.
County to pitch in on CDL training facility
Caldwell County will help Smithville Workforce Training Center with installing a half-acre gravel pad that will make it easier for commercial driver license students to back up and turn around while learning to drive tractor trailers. The concrete pad is located on land near the site of the eventual new evacuation center in the southern part of Caldwell County. The job – estimated at about $14,700 – includes materials, labor and equipment.
Commissioners take action on accepting grant awards, approving applications
Caldwell County Commissioners took action on three items related to sourcing more money for operations and programs. Commissioners voted to accept the award for the Center for Justice Innovation – Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials Grant. The $10,000 grant will be used for informational pamphlets and other educational publications used by the county’s victim services unit. Commissioners also authorized the county to accept a $33,851 grant for indigent defense services. Additionally, commissioners approved the submission for the County Feral Hog Abatement Grant offered through the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service. The county was not awarded the grant last year, but Caldwell County’s grants administrator told commissioners that the application had been simplified to focus on tail collection and bounty awards. Grant awards through the program will likely range from $5,000 to $20,000.
Other Action
Commissioners also:
- Voted to leave the burn ban off.
- Approved the FY 2025 Sheriff and Constable Service Fees.
- Reallocated American Rescue Plan Act funding to purchase equipment for the County’s Unit Roads department.
- Approved an interlocal agreement between Caldwell County and several other participating entities to implement the Plum Creek Watershed Protection Plan.
- Approved the preliminary plat for Union Hill Road Subdivision consisting of seven lots on 16.77 acres on Union Hill Road.
- Approved the preliminary plat for Acorn Grove Estates consisting of 14 residential lots on 61.5 acres at the corner of Sierra Drive and Acorn Road.
- Approved a resolution that specifies early Election Day voting locations and hours for the November 5 General Election as well as the combination of election precincts.
- Approved a resolution that allows the county to enter into an interlocal agreement with the Capitol Area Council of Governments for 9-1-1 Geographic Information System Database Management in FY 2025.
NOTE: This is a summary of highlights of action that took place during the Aug. 13, 2024 Commissioners Court Meeting. To read full meeting minutes and watch video of the meetings, click here.