SANDCASTLE RUN POSTPONED UNTIL MAY 29, 2021
The fifth Sandcastle Run has been moved for the last time to Saturday, May 29, 2021. The timing of this event is very important as the summer camp for children with Diabetes is some time in June or July. The funds raised from this event will be very timely. For those who have signed up to sponsor your sponsorship will carry over to the May event. I am very excited about this event and I look forward to seeing you all there in person.
NUECES COUNTY ADOPTS NEW BUDGET WITH 3.39% TAX INCREASE
In a 3-2 vote, the Nueces County Commissioners Court adopted a new budget with a 3.39% tax increase in it. Commissioner Carolyn Vaughn and I voted no to the property tax increase. It was a grueling experience, but we got through it. The Nueces County Commissioners Court also approved by a 3-2 vote a 3% property tax increase by the Nueces County Hospital District. Commissioner Vaughn and I voted no to that property tax increase as well. There are always wants that the county has but in times like this I believe we should focus on the needs only and spend only what real new dollars we have. Remember the only way for someone to say they did not raise taxes is to vote for the No New Tax Revenue Rate. That did not happen in Nueces County despite our best efforts.
We had a very good debate on the merits of this tax increase or the lack thereof in my opinion. While I lost this battle, I will continue to lead the charge for the lowest possible property taxes and quality service that can be provided in Nueces County. I truly believe in my heart and mind the government should live within its means. I will continue to fight for that to help you keep your property taxes low.
BOB HALL PIER UPDATE AND HURRICANE HANNA DEBRIS UPDATE
As of the writing of this article, we are still waiting on a final assessment on the damage for Bob Hall Pier. The engineer asked for time for additional testing needed to properly document the damage. The Texas Department of Emergency Management granted the extension. Nueces County is working closely with local, state, and federal leaders and agencies to do our best to get this rebuilt. The County Judge is the head of emergency management in Nueces County and thus this project falls under her domain and she has kept me in the loop as to the information and progress on this very important project.
As you know there was a lot of debris left after Hurricane Hanna. Further, the asphalt parking lot in front of Bob Hall pier was destroyed by the storm surge. The Texas General Land Office is in charge of cleaning that debris. They have contracted with someone to clean that up and they have finished that up. As of the writing of this article the contractor is done pulling up all the asphalt and base. They are hauling away the remnants and so by the time you read this, it will be done. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
Brent Chesney, Nueces County Commissioner