TxDOT wants input on proposed I-69 route

NEW BOSTON, Texas—Bowie County took a step toward getting its fifth emergency service district Monday.

Following a public hearing on the proposed district, Bowie County commissioners approved a petition for creating the district in the Simms, Texas, area. To confirm the district’s creation, they also agreed to put the measure on the Nov. 6 general election ballot. Early voting will be Oct. 22 to Nov. 2.

During the public hearing, Simms resident Janie Bass asked commissioners to confirm the amount of property tax the district will be looking at levying since the district has taxing authority to support its operations according to the Texas Constitution.

Bass wanted to know if the proposed tax rate would be 7 cents per $100 valuation on real property or 10 cents and if such a tax would adversely affect her homeowner’s insurance.

Precinct 4 Commissioner Mike Carter confirmed it would be 10 cents but added that the district’s fire protection benefit usually helps keep property insurance low.

“For something like this, insurance companies usually give you a better rate,”Carter said.

In other business, commissioners agreed to ask the Sheriff’s Office to hold a public auction to resell eight different pieces of property collected by the Bowie Central Appraisal District. The district took possession of the real estate owing mostly to property tax payment delinquency. The eight properties are collectively valued at $45,550.

Commissioners also proclaimed and officially designated Bowie County as a Purple Heart County in remembrance and recognition of veterans who are recipients of the Purple Heart medal.