Kerr County approves new budget with nearly 5% property tax rate cut following floods

Kerr County Commissioners’ convened on Monday to address several agenda items.

Commissioners approved the new “no new revenue” budget rate of 40.24 cents per $100 of property value.  A nearly 5% decrease from the current rate.  Several commissioners said they were not fond of the budget but had to get it done.  The fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.  Next year’s budget is about $11 million short but to cover part of the gap, the county is dipping into its reserve funds.

Commissioners also removed and subsequently reappointed the president and treasurer for Emergency Services District (ESD)#4, which covers the Hunt area.  The officials were initially removed due to a report not being submitted on time.  Commissioners described the action as a “slap on the wrist” and ultimately decided to reinstate the same individuals to their positions.

Therefore, President Tim Huchton and Treasurer Molly Adams had to be removed from their positions.

Kerr County ESD#4 – a political subdivision established through a November 2021 election to steward taxpayer money to fund Hunt’s Volunteer Fire Department – did not file its audit before the June 1 deadline.  The Kerr County ESD#4 board is comprised of five board members who are appointed by the county commissioners, according to the Texas State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts.  Members are elected to one of five positions, including the roles of president and treasurer, according to February 2022 meeting minutes.