Commissioners Court went into executive session to consult with legal counsel over issues regarding the items being presented. 

Once back in open session County Judge David Saucedo opened up the items that had been discussed in executive session.  

Tax Assessor Collector Isamari Sanchez Villarreal presented the court with information. 

"The 2017-2018 effective tax rate based on the calculations of my worksheets is at $0.5314 and the rollback rate is $0.6043,” said Villarreal. 

The court then approved the effective and rollback tax rates, and discussed the possible approval of a proposed tax rate for 2017-2018 and setting of public hearings.

 “When we're allowed to correct mistakes that have been done in the past and rectify them, we do that,” said Saucedo.

 The court then addressed Auditor Sandra Watkins about issues over excess in revenues for the county, and if left over funds could be used to determine the adopted tax rate allowing some alleviation to the taxpayer on the county’s behalf.

Watkins stated she thought the way the court was approaching the issue was wrong, suggesting that the court not take the action being proposed. Saucedo intervened and stated that the court had sought information from independent auditors who stated otherwise.  

“If there is additional revenue that comes in that belongs to the taxpayer to get them their services, we’re going to get them their services and you’re not going to stop us from doing it,” said Saucedo. “This court has the discretion to adopt a lower rate, so I’m asking that we adopt the rate of no more than $0.5238 per every $100 valuation.” 

“The court needs to hear me before something goes bad,” said Watkins who became visibly upset and walked out of the meeting. “If you’re not going to listen to me then why am I even here!” 

Commissioners Court unanimously approved the proposed tax rate.  

“We’re operating in good faith for our public, and we’re not even going to the rollback rate that we could have gone too,” concluded Saucedo.