County to discuss ad valorem property tax exemptions
By SHARON KERR Staff Writer

The Jasper County Commissioners' Court will meet in special session today, Oct. 17, at 9 a.m. to review and act on HB 621, the goods-in-transit proposal that gives each county the ability to opt out of ad valorem property tax exemptions.

"As far as Jasper County is concerned, this is something that is already in place and is basically a renewal," said County Judge Mark Allen. "By keeping this option in place, this gives us more bargaining power in the future in the event a larger industrial entity wants to negotiate tax abatements and exemptions in an effort to move to Jasper County."

HB 621 exempts "freeport goods," inventory brought into Texas to be stored and/or processed and then shipped out within 175 days.

The problem, according to the Texas Association of Counties, is that while it relieves the burden of property taxes on temporary inventory for some businesses, it shifts the burden to homeowners and other businesses, and makes it more difficult for the appraisal district to determine values.

As long as the county renews its option, then the commissioners court can decided on a case-by-case basis if they are willing to grant an ad valorem tax exemption, but once an exemption is in effect, it is irrevocable.

Oct. 9 meeting

Commissioners met in regular session last Tuesday, Oct. 9.

Newly-appointed assistant prosecutor Anne Pickle addressed the court regarding setting up a Judicial District Resolution Center. Pickle said the mediation process does not solve all cases, and the results are not binding, but this alternative method of dispute resolution has worked well in other counties.

Potentially it could clear court dockets faster and less expensively and would be paid for by clerical fees. There would be a paid executive director; mediators would be volunteers. The resolution center would at first be for District 1A but eventually might include Sabine and San Augustine counties.

The court unanimously approved her proposal.

Fish Hatchery

The Lower Neches Valley Authority (LVNA) presented the court with a check for $120,000 towards the fish hatchery project at Lake Sam Rayburn.

Speaking for the LVNA, Robert Schroder siad, "The fish hatchery is going to be a premier showcase for the whole area."

Water Project

The court unanimously approved a resolution for move forward on a STEP grant (Small Towns Environment Program) that will lay more than 21,000 linear feet of eight-inch water line in the south part of Jasper County along CR 721.

STEP is a "sweat equity" program in which ORCA funds buy materials and locals supply labor. The county will apply for $350,00 in grant money but have no out-of-pocket expenses. More than 40 people from the area have already volunteered.

Business expansion

The court unanimously approved Doyle Fain of Doyle Fain Production Service for a tax abatement to purchase the former bottling plant.

Kari Ellis, interim director of JEDCO (Jasper Economic Development Corporation) told the court Fain is expanding his operations that are currently located on U.S. Highway 63 West and that with the explansion, he will eventually employ about 40 people.

Fain told the court he builds specialized oilfield equipment that is shipped all over the United States, "and I expect to international soon," he said.

Hurricane Rita homes

Todd McDonald of McDonald's Mobile Homes told the court the first of several mobile homes ordered under a TDHCA grant (Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs) have arrived and are ready to be installed as soon as demolition is complete and the sites are ready for installation.

Other business

The Jasper Air Show was approved for April 5-6 at Bell Field.

The court heard from Rayburn-area resident Bubba Vann, who complained that HB 285 was too lenient on home owners with aerobic septic systems.

Vann said the current system, or lack of a system, is a health hazard and should be corrected "for our grandkids" and to avoid "Do Not Swim" signs and fishing bans due to bacteria buildup in lakes and rivers.

The court also heard from Joe Lanier of JLAHS (Jasper Lakes Area Humane Society), who asked the county to clarify their position on an animal shelter.

Allen reiterated that the county is waiting to see an interlocal agreement prepared by the city of Jasper, and that while $17,500 was initially a line item in the proposed Sheriff's budget, it was removed when it did not look like anyone was willing to assume ownership. Allen explained that the funds were moved back to the contingency fund and a shelter is no longer a line item in the 2008 budget.

When the city attorney presents an interlocal agreement between he city and county and after District Attorney Steve Hollis reviews the agreement, it can be brought up again.