Commissioners sign tax freeze into effect

By LPR Staff

Editor/POST-REGISTER

The Caldwell County Commissioners signed an order securing a freeze on ad valorem taxes on Monday.

In accordance with the results of the Nov. 2 election, Caldwell County District Attorney Chris Schneider drafted an order which places a “freeze” on ad valorem taxes for the elderly and disabled on their resident homestea

ds. Schneider presented the order to the Commissioners” Court on Monday morning.

“I”ve checked with the Legislative Board and with Rep. Patrick Rose,” Schneider said. “They said that the order might not be necessary, but it couldn”t hurt anything, either.”

As a result of the order, which was signed and delivered to the Caldwell County Appraisal District on Monday, tax rates homesteads claimed by the elderly and/or the disabled effective with the 2004 tax rates.

The rate freeze will not apply retroactively, nor will it apply to any improvements made to properties after the order takes effect. However, provided no improvements are made to the subject properties, taxes will not be raised, regardless of the appraised value of the property.

The Court presented a proclamation to Mary Jiles, proclaiming the week of Dec. 4-10 “Tree of Angels Week” in Caldwell County.

“The Tree of Angels is a reverent forum for the community to remember, include and support those who are a part of our lives and the community as a whole and… is an expression of love and a celebration of life,” the proclamation read.

In other court business:

County Extension Agents Rachel Bauer and Sarah Montgomery delivered monthly reports of their activities, which included a number of agricultural development training seminars.

The Court paid various bills in the amount of $359,558.33, which included insurance on county-owned properties, indigent health care, indigent legal defense and operating expenses.

Property taxes in excess of $280,000 were collected toward 2004 property taxes. More than $65,000 was collected toward delinquent tax bills.