Commissioners court wraps up 2019

The Grimes County Commissioners Court held a Regular Meeting Thursday, Dec. 26, and among the items approved was the renewal of the Grimes County Tax Abatement Guidelines for two years beginning Jan. 1, 2020. 

Making the request was Navasota Grimes County Executive Director Johnny McNally who said, “The tax abatement program is a tool in the toolbox to help recruit businesses to locate and expand here, to bring businesses in to create jobs and make an investment in our community.”

McNally added that the county was under no obligation and the agreement represented the terms should the county approve an abatement.

County Judge Joe Fauth said he was not in favor of tax abatements but understands “the value they bring.” His concern centered on the party responsible for auditing adherence to the guidelines, specifically related to the number of employees hired, as per the agreement.

According to County Attorney Jon C. Fultz, oversight lay previously with former Chief Appraiser Bill Sullivan, but the current chief appraiser has relinquished that responsibility. 

McNally advised two abatement agreements expire Dec. 31 and another is scheduled to expire in 2022. All three companies are in Commissioner Barbara Walker’s district, Precinct 3. Fultz advised that Walker had requested information from those companies.

Commissioners agreed that follow-up with companies for which an abatement is approved, will lie with the commissioner of the precinct in which the company is located.

Commissioner Barbara Walker was not present.

Go Texan agreement revised

Commissioners approved a revised agreement with Grimes County Go-Texan Committee permitting the organization exclusive use of the fairgrounds for one week each year which includes Go-Texan Weekend, in consideration of the purchase by Go-Texan of two electronic display boards valued at $17,000. 

The original agreement approved by the court Sept. 11 specified a contract period of three years. Attorney Jon C. Fultz said it was brought to his attention by Randy Krueger, Fairgrounds Administrator that the contract period was for five years.

Other court action:

•Approved consent agenda items that included the Treasurer’s list of claims and bills, payroll the Monthly Report and authorized advertisement of Affidavit of same.

•Recognized Lino Gallegos with Certificate of Completion of Master Custodian Program.

•Approved vacating .283 acres of easement at the intersection of SH 90 and FM 149, pending posting of public notice and no objections filed.

•Recorded their vote on individuals nominated for Texas Association of Counties board of directors.

Burn ban:

The burn ban remains lifted.