Commissioners Court approves 3-2-1% Discount Program to County Taxpayers

By: Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2014, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.

Maverick County Commissioners Court unanimously approved to offer County Taxpayers a 3-2-1% discount program for early payment of their 2014 ad valorem property taxes similar to last year at a special meeting held on Thursday, July 31, 2014.

Agenda item No. 17 called for the discussion and possible adoption of a 3,2,1% discount program for Ad Valorem Property Taxes for 2014.

County Judge David R. Saucedo explained that the 3-2-1% discount program would give County taxpayers a 3% discount off their ad valorem property taxes if they paid them during the month of October 2014, a 2% discount if they paid their taxes during November 2014, and a 1% discount if they paid their taxes during December 2014. Judge Saucedo stated that this 3-2-1 discount program provides County taxpayers an incentive to pay their ad valorem taxes early while assisting Maverick County to collect the taxes early in the fiscal year for use throughout the year.

County Commissioner Roberto Ruiz raised concerns on the proposed implementation of the 3-2-1% discount program in light of the precarious financial state Maverick County finds itself in and is slowly climbing out of.

“Having a 3,2,1 % discount gives the County an opportunity to reward the taxpayer for allowing the County to operate on an even keel,” said Judge Saucedo.

The 3,2,1% discount program offers County taxpayers a savings on their 2014 ad valorem property taxes while bringing revenues to the County general fund to operate and pay its 2014-2015 fiscal year budget.

“I think it’s necessary that the taxpayer get an opportunity to take advantage of this discount,” said Judge Saucedo.

“I just feel that if we give out certain discounts we are losing out and cannot use those thousands of dollars to serve the Precincts better,” opined Commissioner Ruiz. Commissioner Ruiz believes the County needs every penny of its ad valorem property taxes in order to pay for projects in each of the four precincts and should not give taxpayers a discount.

“I understand what you are saying, but I don’t agree with you,” said Judge Saucedo.

Commissioners Court nonetheless unanimously approved the 3-2-1% discount program for early payment of 2014 ad valorem property taxes during the months of October through December.