Freestone County Commissioners approved a joint election May 7 with the cities and school districts of Fairfield, Teague, and Wortham during a special meeting Feb. 2.
A constitutional amendment election is also set for May 7.
County Judge Linda Grant detailed the two proposed amendments on the ballot – one that would authorize the state legislature to reduce the limit on property taxes imposed on the homesteads of elderly or disabled residents to reflect any tax rate reduction enacted by law from the preceding tax year; and a measure to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes from $25,000 to $40,000.
Election Administrator Renee McBay recommended consolidating precincts for the election, and Commissioners approved the following polling places:
–Teague, First Baptist Church, Family Life Center, 613 Walnut St., Precincts 3, 4, 5, 9, 10
–Fairfield, Civic Center (Green Barn), 839 East Commerce, Precincts 1, 2, 15
–Dew, Dew School Library, 606 CR 481, Precincts 11, 13
–Wortham, Wortham Community Center, 105 East Main St., Precincts 6, 7
–Southern Oaks, Southern Oaks Club House, 111 Southern Oaks Drive, Precinct 8
Commissioners voted to upgrade the county’s ethernet connection with Windstream after tabling the item during their previous meeting. The new contract will save the county money and provide faster speeds.
The court authorized the sale of fireworks for the Texas Independence Day holiday March 2.
In other business, Commissioners approved the purchase of a 2022 CAT Motor Grader for Precinct 2, and awarded a bid of $6,000 for a 2010 Ford F350 4×4 diesel truck and accepted $2,500 from Oneok, Inc. for road damage to FCR 360 in Precinct 3.
Budget transfers and amendments, payment of bills, payroll, employee bonds, and reports from county departments were also accepted.
County Fire Departments and the Sheriff’s Department prepared their proposals for American Rescue Plan Act funds, which were presented to the court for review and future discussion.
