Clarkson holds first reading of property tax ordinance

Read more at the Grayson County News.

The Clarkson City Commission on Monday held the first reading of the ordinance setting this year's property tax rates.

City Clerk-Treasurer Scotty Gore provided the first reading of the ordinance, which included the proposed compensating tax rates of 8.9 cents per $100 of assessed valuation on real estate; 29.06 cents per $100 of assessed valuation on tangible personal property; and 10 cents per $100 of assessed valuation on vehicles and watercraft.

According to Gore, this year's property assessment determined Clarkson has $43,321,765 in real estate values and $6,111,682 in tangible property values. Real property values have increased by $1,709,433 from last year, but tangible property values have decreased by $105,406.

As a result, this year's real estate property tax rate would be lower but still generate more revenue should the city choose to go with the compensating tax rates.

No action was taken Monday to approve the ordinance, as a second reading will be required and is expected to be held at the commission's next meeting in September. 

In other business, the city commission:

*Approved a proclamation naming the week of Sept. 15-21 as Pollinator Week in the city of Clarkson.

*Approved a proclamation naming September 2025 City Government Month in Clarkson.

*Voted to pay the $4,350 received from the sale of a surplus police vehicle toward the new Clarkson Police cruiser, on which the city owed over $11,000 prior to this payment. 

*Authorized Clarkson Fire Chief Andy Cain to connect a city building to a generator and put concrete over an area next to the fire station to prevent flooding. The commission will pay up to $5,000 toward these projects. Cain was also authorized to purchase a new UTV using revenue from county fire dues for the Clarkson Fire Department (CFD). 

*Heard from Cain, who said he is collaborating with Grayson County Judge Executive Kevin Henderson and Grayson County Emergency Management to construct a storm shelter at the CFD's property on Millerstown Road. The project is still in the planning stages, but Cain estimates it will cost under $100,000.

*Announced that this year's Treats on the Trail event will be held Saturday, Oct. 11 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.