Athens Review, Athens, Texas

Breaking News

Local News

Discussion

May 6, 2007

May 12 election includes state amendment

State constitutional changes benefitting senior citizens, disabled on ballot

By Rich Flowers

With early voting underway and election day nearing, Henderson County officials say there are still potential voters who are not aware of the state constitutional amendment election or the issue to be decided.

County Clerk Gwen Moffeit, who oversees the elections in the county, reminds voters of the important issue that is included on the spring 2007 ballot.

Accord to the Texas Secretary of State the amendment, “authorizes the legislature to provide for a reduction of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed for public school purposes on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled, to reflect any reduction of those taxes for 2006-2007.”

Amanda Jeffers of State Representative Betty Brown’s Austin office said, in short, the amendment allows the legislature to compress by one third the property taxes that had been frozen for those over 65 and the disabled.

The amendment is in response to the massive property tax reform legislation passed in 2006. The 2006 bill dramatically increased the state’s share of education funding and promised homeowners a net tax cut of $1 billion in 2007. While the legislation benefited most property owners, there was no benefit for those with frozen tax rates.

Moffeit told commissioners court last week the election was set in the May 12 slot in order for the change to be in place before tax statements are sent to property owners in the fall.

Early balloting continues at the county courthouse and sub-stations in Chandler and Seven Points through Tuesday. The county has compressed the number of voting boxes from 31 to 15 for the May 12 election day.

The Athens Daily Review will publish a list of the revised voting locations prior to the election.

Henderson County’s polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 12.

———

e-mail rflowers@athensreview.com

Text Only
Local News
  • Primary voting Tuesday

    Ready, set, vote.
    The polls open Tuesday at 7 a.m. in the Democratic and Republican Primaries. Henderson County candidates run the gamut from first-timers to long-time incumbents.
    Some county voters will be traveling to new polling places for this round of balloting, after the much-debated redistricting process.

    May 25, 2012

  • Henderson County communities participate in Click It or Ticket

    It's not a good weekend to get out on the state highways without buckling up.
    In fact, that's probably true every weekend.
    But the 11th annual Click It or Ticket Seat Belt Mobilization Campaign is under way, now through June 3, 2012.

    May 25, 2012

  • martha & mary pic.jpg ‘Martha and Mary’

    The Henderson County Performing Arts Center, in conjunction with Elite Barrel Racing, announces the World Premiere of local Playwright R.G. Haynie’s newest play, “Martha and Mary,” on May 31  at 7:30 p.m., with additional shows on June 2, June 7, June 8 and June 9  at 7:30 p.m., with matinees at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 3 and Sunday, June 10  at the theatre complex, located at 400 Gibson Road in Athens.

    May 25, 2012 1 Photo

  • DSC_0043.JPG Slide Show- Old Fiddlers Reunion The Fiddlers Reunion is in full swing around the Athens Courthouse. Final winners and street dance Friday night. Photos by Kathi Nailling

    May 25, 2012

  • Fiddler's1.JPG Fiddlers firing up

    You can get on out of that bed now, and get yourselves down to the courthouse square.
    The fiddlers are firing up, and they'll be going until the clock strikes 12 with the street dance, as the 81st Annual Old Fiddlers Reunion gets into high gear.

    May 24, 2012 2 Photos

  • Rachaelle Browning.jpg Valedictorian & Salutatorian

    The Athens High School Valedictorian of 2012 is Rachaelle Browning. She is the daughter of Wes and Jan Browning. Rachaelle will be attending the University of Texas at Austin in the fall of 2012 and plans to major in Aerospace Engineering.
    Rachaelle has participated in various extracurricular activities throughout high school in preparation for a career in engineering.

    May 24, 2012 2 Photos

  • At the start.JPG 3rd annual Hornet Fun Run continues through today

    Fourth graders participated Thursday in the 3rd Annual Hornet Fun Run at the Cain Center.  Above is the beginning, when the children would run one mile.  At left, Isaac Garcia is shown taking overall first place.  Second place honors for boys went to Armondo Garcia, and Third place Case Friedrich.  Girls first place was Taylor Stiles, second place Veronica Campa and third place honors went to Semia Brazier. See those that placed, both boys and girls, on Page 14. The fifth grade will run today.

    May 24, 2012 4 Photos

  • Witnesses aid in suspects’ capture

    Timing is everything, and one would-be burglar apparently didn't have it during a burglary at a home on North Murchison Street near Athens.
    Witnesses saw the burglary as it was happening, and one homeowner, Billy Stewart, fired three rounds at the burglar, as he was driving off his property with a stolen yellow 4-wheeler.

    May 24, 2012

  • Ariel Reeder.JPG Valedictorian & Salutatorian

    Ariel Reeder and Sam Harrell have been chosen respectively as Valedictorian and Salutatorian of Athens Christian Preparatory Academy.  More will be announced from other area schools in future issues.

    May 23, 2012 2 Photos

  • Mayor.JPG GBC mayor official after vote canvassing

    GUN BARREL  CITY — It's official now.
    There's a new mayor in Gun Barrel City, thanks to the canvassing of votes at Tuesday night's regularly-scheduled city council meeting.

    May 23, 2012 1 Photo