Homeowner tax abatements a possibility
Jacksboro officials tabled an item that could provide tax abatements for those affected by the tornado.
City Manager Mike Smith said it would be an extension of the 2021 program that would give a three-year abatement for those who wish to add value to their home. The first year the added value would be 100-percent abated, the second year 75 percent and the third year 50 percent.
Mayor Craig Fenter said it would definitely provide people an incentive to rebuild.
Smith said if the original home was worth $100,000 and the new home since the tornado was worth $250,000, the difference of $150,000 would be eligible for the abatement.
Smith said the city would work with the Long Term Recovery Committee with letters sent out to the homeowners to let them know of the program. Applications for the abatement must be received by March 21,2024.
It was made clear the original owner of the property must be the one to apply for the abatement. Smith asked the council to table the item so the right wording could be provided.
Aldermen also received an update on the city’s grants. Smith said the city has received a pair of Community Development Block Grants, each for $350,000. One was for downtown revitalization which will involved work around the courthouse and work on both East Archer and North Church Streets around the courthouse.
It will include medians and trees. Smith said both the county and the Jacksboro Economic Development Corporation helped with the grant.
The other grant will be used for storm drains.
In other news:
• An update was provided for getting rid of the vegetative debris at the Jack County Sheriff’s Posse Arena. First, the debris was going to be chipped, then a pair of air incinerators were going to be used to get rid of the debris. Now, Smith said he has been told by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Department of Emergency Management to burn it where it sits.
Jacksboro Fire Chief Jeremy Jennings has a plan where the city will use skid steers and other machinery to dig long trenches where logs will be placed. Wood chips will then be placed on top to keep the fire going.
Smith said as soon as the items can be rented the process will begin. The fire will burn Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. into the mid afternoon hours for approximately 3-4 weeks. The remaining ash will then be buried.
One fire apparatus and 1-2 personnel will man the project until its completion.
The city council meeting for Oct. 10 has been canceled. The next meeting is set for Monday, Oct. 24.
