County Adopts Millage Rate

The Jasper County Commission Thursday voted to adopt the schools millage rate, a formality necessary for the county to collect taxes.

The school board voted Monday, July 8, to set its millage rate at 17.99 mills, so the county adopted that Thursday. That was all the action the school took at Monday’s called meeting.

The commissioners took the opportunity to handle other business. The commission approved leasing four vehicles for the sheriff’s office. Commissioners had agreed on that action some time ago, but just now formally voted on it.

The commission also voted to transfer property at 336 East Greene Street, Monticello—the old Health Department— and 985 Hillsboro Street, Monticello—the old cannery—to the Development Authority of Jasper County, and authorized the chairman to sign the intergovernmental agreement making it official. The DAJC representatives will also have to sign, then the property will be transferred.

Commissioners learned the Pitts Chapel Bridge project has been awarded to Gregory Bridge County. County Manager Mike Benton is to follow-up and see if the timeline remains for the project to be complete by December of this year.

The county manager told commissioners that six trees have been removed from behind the Health Department. He also said that Wildfire Industries completed the flower bed for $680, and an additional $50 per month for maintenance.

Chairman Carl Pennamon encouraged the other commissioners to ride Goolsby Road, and said it would be complete before long.