The Parmer County Commissioners Court met in regular session on Monday, September 27, 2021 at 10 a.m. in the County Courtroom of the Parmer County Courthouse in Farwell, Texas. The meeting began with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag and Texas Flag.
There were no public comments regarding the proposed budget and tax rate at the public hearing held at 9:30 a.m.
The 2022 Parmer County budget of $6,373,354.86 was approved by an unanimous (5-0) vote. Commissioners also unanimously (5-0) approved the tax rate of $0.5334 per $100 for tax year 2021. The breakdown of the 2021 tax rate is: County M&0 at $0.3982; County I&S at $0.0252; and County FM at $0.1100, for the total rate of $0.5334 per $100 for tax year 2021. Since the adopted tax rate is greater than the no-new-revenue tax rate, there will be a property tax increase for tax year 2021.
Commissioners approved a 1-year inter-local agreement with City of Friona to rent office space for the Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace. The $500 per month fee will cover rent, utilities, and other office expenses. The new office will be located in the former Friona EMS office and will also include new office space for the Friona Municipal Judge. These offices are adjacent to the Friona City Council Chambers. The agreement would not go into effect until a new Precinct 1 JP is elected or appointed.
Minutes from the September 13th meeting were read and approved. Commissioners approved the payment of the accounts payables as presented by County Treasurer Sharon May. The Treasurer's Report was also approved.
Commissioners approved the outside audit for Parmer County. The county is in excellent financial health and has a 10-11 month emergency operational reserve.
Commissioners approved a motion to provide all county employees with free flu shots. Family members of county employees can get their flu shots at the same time but they will have to reimburse the county for the cost.
Sheriff Randy Geries reported that he was currently housing 34 inmates in the Parmer County Law Enforcement Center. Parmer County is currently housing one of its inmates in the Lubbock County jail.
Due to the Columbus Day holiday, Commissioners Court for October 11th was rescheduled for Wednesday, October 20th at 1:30 p.m. The Court will discuss redistricting for Parmer County. Also, the October 25th session has been moved to Tuesday, October 26th at 10:00 a.m. There is also a possibility of a public hearing at 9:30 a.m. concerning proposed redistricting.
All meetings are open to the public. The Commissioner's Court reserves the right to go into Executive Session at any time. The agenda may be found on the Parmer County website. Information in this article is only a summary. Any questions concerning specific actions should be directed to the Commissioners Court.
October is Bullying Prevention month and Friona ISD Superintendent Jimmy Burns visited the Primary School on Monday to help begin the campaign against bullying. Mr. Burns read the book "Recess Queen" to Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade students which told the story of how to respond to bullying on the playground. Ashley Smith, head of Special Services, helped the students learn how to make "good" choices when interacting with their fellow students.
2021-2022 Friona Junior High Student Council - Front Row (l-r) Abby Marquz, Ivy Schueler, Giovani Santiago, and Alessander Vega; Back Row (l-r) Jameson Daniels, Reese Steelman, Israel Santiago, and Aaron Rosales; Sponsors are Mrs. Daniels (back left) and Mrs. Clark (back right)
Don't forget - St. Teresa Catholic Church Ladies are sponsoring a Turkey Dinner on Sunday October 3rd from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parish hall. The menu will consist of turkey, cream potatoes, dressing, green beans, giblet gravy, cranberry sauce, rolls, coffee, tea, and dessert. Donations $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for children under 10. Take outs will be available. For information call Susan Gonzales at 806-626-8602.
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Band Booster Fundraiser - The band boosters will be selling brisket sandwiches with chips, pickles, onions, BBQ sauce, and water for $8.00 at the October 15th football game. They will begin serving at 5:00 p.m. and serve until they are sold out. Buy early and buy often.
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About October - Well before the Julian and Gregorian calendars, October was the 8th month of the Roman calendar. Octo means eight in Latin. At the time, there were only 10 months. In 700 BC, Numa Pompilius added January and February to the calendar. This change more accurately reflected the length of a year on Earth. As a result, October became the 10th month on the calendar. While other months on the calendar have had days added and subtracted, October has always had 31 days.
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National Days
September 30:
Chewing Gum Day
October 1:
Pumpkin Spice Day
October 2:
Name Your Car Day
October 3:
Techies Day
October 4:
Taco Day
October 5:
Do Something Nice Day
October 6:
Coaches Day
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