Last chance

County commissioners are set to take a final vote on their proposed 2008-'09 budget and tax rate Monday.

County Judge Susan Redford has said commissioners will have to stick with their proposed 35.8-cent property tax rate if they want to cover all of next year's expenses and keep an adequate reserve in case of emergency. 

She said the county has to have enough money in the bank to cover three months of operating costs, and it would be impossible to pay for next fiscal year's $41 million budget and keep the reserve if commissioners decreased the tax rate below what they've proposed.

But at least three residents have voiced strong objections to commissioners' plans, criticizing the county for not reducing taxes more. The 35.8-cent rate is a 4.6-cent reduction over what taxpayers are paying now, but the county expects to bring in 6.9 percent more revenue because property values are up.

If commissioners were to adopt the 33-cent effective rate, that would raise the same amount of revenue in 2008-'09 that was raised this year.

Redford said anything is possible for Monday's vote.

"I feel certain we'll have to revisit some issues Monday," she said at Thursday's public hearing.

Commissioners will also consider:

>> A resolution supporting legislative action to create programs and provide funding for the enhancement of public transportation, including relocation of freight rail lines.

>> The county judge's appointment of United Way Executive Director Dwayne Bennett as the donations coordinator for the Emergency Operations Plan.

>> Reappointing commissioner Freddie Gardner as Ector County's representative on the Board of Managers for the 9-1-1 Emergency Communication District. It's a two-year term.

>> Reappointing Jimmy Ellis as the Volunteer Fire Department Advisory Board representative on the Board of Directors for the 9-1-1 Emergency Communication District. It's a two-year term.

>> The donation of three 2005 sedans from the city of Odessa to the sheriff's office.

>> The holiday calendar for the Ector County Library.

>> Salaries for courthouse security personnel for 2008-'09.

>> A bid for installing carpet in the Tax Assessor Office.

>> Hiring a consultant to assist with awarding the county's bid for a third party administrator for health insurance.

>> A contract between Ector County and the Texas Department of State Health Services for issuance of certifications of vital records from the state database.

>> A proposed, modified contract with H&K Armored Service Inc.

>> A $16,951 grant from the Texas State Library Loan Star Grant program for new books.

>> Authorizing additional compensation time for cemetery employees to allow for Saturday funerals.

>> Action on oil well locations.

>> Amendment No. 2 to a contract between Ector County and the Office of the Rural Community Affairs.

>> The accounts payable fund requirements report and county financial statements and reports.

>> The following line-item transfers: $200 from department furniture and equipment to office supplies; $166 from ground maintenance to departmental furniture and equipment; and $2,585 from building materials to departmental equipment.

AT A GLANCE

>> What: County commissioners meet to take a final vote on the 2008-'09 budget and property tax rate.

>> When: 10 a.m. Monday.

>> Where: Ector County Administration Building Annex, 1010 E. Eighth St.