SDN Managing Editor

Following a presentation by Toni Shields of the Scurry County Appraisal District, Western Texas College trustees took no action on setting a tax cap for citizens 65 years or over, or disabled.

“The estimated loss to WTC if the tax ceiling is adopted is impossible to predict,” emphasized Shields.

She did have a handout prepared for the board that made several assumptions concerning tax rates and residential values.

The handout reflected a tax loss to the college over the next 20 years of $63,638 by estimating values increased 1.5 percent per year and the tax rate set at 30 cents per $100 valuation.

Annually, the estimated loss ranged from $2,920 the first year the freeze was in effect to $3,817 in the 20th year of the freeze.

Presently, the college tax roll has 1,346 taxpayers over 65 and 106 who are disabled.

Patricia Claxton, director of fiscal services, said if the college adopted the freeze the effect on taxpayers would be minimal.

“The effect would be negligible since our tax rate is 24 cents per $100 valuation,” said Claxton. The college’s maximum tax rate is 35 cents per $100 valuation.

It also was noted by the board that the tax freeze by public schools has more effect on taxpayers since most districts, including the Snyder Independent School District, have a maximum tax rate of $1.50 per $100 valuation.

“This would shift the burden to younger taxpayers,” said trustee Drew Bullard. “But at our maximum rate, it’s not big numbers.”

Bullard also noted there is a mechanism in place for citizens to call an election on the freeze by circulating petitions to obtain just over 500 signatures in favor of having a vote on the proposal.

In a marked contrast from the city council meeting this month that also had the tax freeze on the agenda, there were no citizens present for the presentation. The city meeting room was at its capacity with interested citizens.

In action items Monday night, trustees approved the formal contract of Jason McAden to coach the startup volleyball program at an annual salary of $29,714, and accepted the resignations of science professor Joe Carter and assistant professor of criminal justice Eric Coleman.

Carter will continue to teach part-time, while Coleman will teach at Hardin Simmons University.

In one other personnel matter, Dr. Greg Williams, president, said Billy Hefflinger had been named the school’s baseball coach. He had been serving as the interim coach since the beginning of the year. Hefflinger’s salary is $30,000 plus room and board annually. Hefflinger lives in the WTC dorm.

The board also added admissions personnel to the list of degree requirements for classified clerical personnel. The office had been left off an earlier approved list.

Trustees also heard a report from Dr. Williams and athletic director David Hanes on the planned golf program scheduled to start this fall.

“We are looking to bring programs on board that are cost effective, and at this time, golf would not be,” said Hanes.

Hanes said the proposed program would be on the club level and of 11 community colleges in the region, only one other had indicated that they would participate at that level.

“Things are happening on the national level that will aid us in the future with a golf program,” said Hanes.

Hanes said they were tabling setting up the golf program “not for lack of effort, but lack of competition.”

Dr. Williams did note that the volleyball, cheerleading and cross country programs are on track for the fall semester.

Trustees also heard reports on recruiting, Phi Theta Kappa awards, student government, the UIL one-act play festivals and the Sammy Baugh celebration.

Mike Thornton reported on revenue and expenses for the celebration.

“There are some things still trickling in but as it stood at 5 to 5 today, revenues are at $34,900 and expenses at $19,639.07,” said Thornton.

Dr. Williams lauded the efforts of the college staff in the celebration and added that no college money was used.

Also approved were the monthly financial reports.

President Lee Presswood presided and members present were Bullard, Carolyn Barbee, Eddie Peterson, Jackie Greene and Scott Richburg. Dr. Jay Kidd was absent.