Citizens suggest tax hike for deputy salaries

Two Donley County citizens told the Commissioners’ Court Monday to raise their taxes if that is what it takes to give local deputies a pay increase.

Appearing before the court to support the sheriff’s department, Jim Cockerham said he was concerned about the low salary situation.

Donley County deputies gross $18,680 annually, out of which is taken more than 14 percent for payroll taxes and retirement benefits, according to the sheriff’s office

“We’ve got a good sheriff and a good sheriff’s department,” he said, “but we’re going to lose some of these people to more lucrative salaries.”

Donley County officers are among the lowest paid in the state.

Cockerham urged the commissioners to set priorities in the next budget year and to do “anything” to raise deputies’ pay.

“I don’t mind paying more taxes,” he said.

Paul Bell echoed Cockerham’s comments.

“These men want to stay here; they want to live here,” Bell said. “They care, and they do a good job.”

Bell said he knew other county employees needed more money also but said the deputies’ situations are different.

“This is a hazardous profession,” he said. “It can turn deadly any time. I’m not trying to put down any other position, but it takes more than a drivers license and a desire to be a deputy sheriff.”

Bell repeatedly urged commissioners to “put a patch” on a bad situation by giving deputies a raise and said the only way he knew to do it was to raise taxes.

“I hate paying taxes, but I’m willing to do it if that’s what it takes. Raise the taxes.”

Commissioners took no action on the salary question.

Also at Monday’s meeting, Donley County Appraisal District Chief Appraiser Paula Lowrie addressed the court and explained the county can levy a special tax rate for the purpose of paying its debts.

The county will make payments on indebtedness totaling approximately $173,000 during the next fiscal year. The courthouse restoration note accounts for nearly $101,000 of that figure.

Lowrie said the entire indebtedness could be covered with a special 11-cent tax rate, which she said would raise county taxes on a $50,000 home by $55 dollars. Commissioners have the option of levying the maximum of the 11-cent rate, no rate, or any rate in between.

The court asked Lowrie to calculate a rate needed for just the indebtedness on the courthouse notes.

In other county business, the court accepted a fuel bid from West Texas Gas for one year.

A road hand was transferred from Precinct 2 to Precinct 3, and the court authorized advertising for a new Precinct 2 road hand.

The Tax Office Clerk bond for Paula Garrison was canceled, and a new Tax Office Clerk bond for Vicky Tunnell was approved.