Court appoints new tax assessor-collector
San Jacinto News Times - December 2007

COLDSPRING – San Jacinto County Commissioners’ Court approved the appointment of Betty McKinzie Davis as San Jacinto County Tax Assessor-Collector during their regular meeting Wednesday, Nov. 28.
McKinzie has worked as chief deputy tax assessor-collector since June 1998. Her appointment comes after the resignation of former tax assessor-collector Barbara Shelly in September. Davis’ appointment became effective Saturday, Dec. 1.
Davis said that two new tax office substations will be completed and ready for business by mid-December in providing a much needed convenience to the public, as requested by commissioners’ court earlier in the year.
The substations will provide a closer location for renewals and tax payments, according to Davis.
A substation at the Shepherd Annex will be open to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays and the substation in Point Blank Annex will be open on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
In other business, commissioners discussed and then approved an order for the taxation of tangible personal property in transit through San Jacinto County which would otherwise be exempt pursuant to Texas Tax Code Section 11.253. Personal property includes items or inventory stored at a location in which it may be transported between 175 days.
“Currently no goods in the county qualifies; however, that could change rapidly in the future,” San Jacinto County Tax Attorney Stephen Lee told the court.
“We have to take action on this prior to the year it becomes effective,” San Jacinto County Judge Fritz Faulkner said.
Commissioners discussed longevity paychecks for the 140 San Jacinto County employees qualified.
Faulkner said he hopes to see the checks delivered before Christmas.
A contract with E&E Enterprises Global was approved for Pct. 3 Commissioner David Brandon and Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace Randy Ellisor. The contract includes the installation of a $3,000 satellite for high-speed Internet usage.
Commissioners discussed the setting of a workshop date to discuss and set time lines for accepting credit cards at county facilities.
“I’d like to appoint a committee to look into and report back,” said Pct. 2 Commissioner Royce Wells. “We need to get it done throughout the county.”
A committee was appointed to look into the county accepting credit card payments. The committee will report back to the county their findings. A tentative date of mid-January was discussed for implementation.
Direct deposit for payroll was discussed by the court. According to San Jacinto County Treasurer a lot of fees are included in getting direct deposit started. “It will create a lot more work in my office because not everyone is going to want to use it,” Everitt said.
“Most people when they get direct deposit they love it. I think it needs to be one way or another and I think it should be all direct deposit,” said Pct. 1 Commissioner Michael Griffith.
“We’re never going to have 100 percent participation,” Everitt said.
“I think it’s a good idea and good option to offer,” said Faulkner.
Brandon made a motion to proceed with direct deposit. Griffith seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Commissioner Wells made a motion to terminate the interim agreement to dispense medication contracts at the San Jacinto County Jail. The motion passed. A motion was then passed to amend the inmate medical contract to include Dr. Woodrome’s office to dispense medication to inmates and increase the monthly fee to $3,500.
Faye Adams was appointed as a reserve officer for Pct. 4 Constable Lou Rogers.
San Jacinto County Sheriff Lacy Rogers told commissioners that construction on the county jail expansion project is nearing completion.
Workers accidentally cut into power lines last Wednesday resulting in a loss of power for some time that afternoon. Repairs were made and construction on the jail project proceeded.