OC board talks taxes

The Odessa College board of trustees had the first of two public hearings on the proposed tax rate Tuesday, but no one addressed the board.

A proposed tax rate of 15.84 cents per $100 evaluation was introduced at the budget meeting held by the board in August. The tax rate for 2009 was 16.24 cents per $100 evaluation, board member Gary Johnson said. While the proposed rate for this year is lower, Johnson acknowledged that some Odessans might pay higher taxes if property value increased.

The board is required by law to hold two public hearings about the proposed tax rate, giving the public a chance to address the board before the trustees vote on the rate, board president Walter Smith said.

The next hearing is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 9 in the Joe Zant Jr. Community Room.