Stoudt proposes lower tax rate for Gregg County

Bill Stoudt, Gregg County judge, has proposed lowering the county property tax rate by one cent in fiscal year 2007.

Stoudt recently participated in a work session with Linda Bailey, county budget director; Laurie Woloszyn, county auditor; and Ed moore, financial advisor.

"As you all know we have been working on the county budget," Stoudt said. "The county has been fortunate to experience growth these last four years and I believe a tax decrease is in order."

Stoudt expressed a feeling of confidence in the county's continued diligence in facing issues.

"This court - in my opinion - has done a good job maintaining strong financial responsibility," Stoudt said. "Commissioners have done an excellent job working with the auditor and budget manager."

If approved the county property tax rate will decrease from 28 cents per $100 valuation to 27 cents per $100 valuation.

Before adopting the tax rate commissioners will hold two public hearings on the proposed property tax decrease. The first hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. August 15 at Gregg County Courthouse on the third floor in the Commissioners' Courtroom.

In other commissioners' business the county received a distinguished budget award from the Government Finance Officers Association and commissioners approved the purchase of a new dishwasher for the Kilgore Community House.

The next meeting of Gregg County Commissioners' Court is 10 a.m. Monday, August 13.