- The Hunt Memorial Hospital District voted to this week to give seniors and people with disabilities a property tax break. The board voted to increase its existing homestead tax exemption from $20,000 to $30,000. Homestead tax status applies to a property that serves as a primary residence for the property’s owner. Earlier this summer, the Hunt Memorial Hospital District had voted to enact a property tax freeze for people with disabilities and seniors, but the board later learned it lacked the legal authority to make that change. The Greenville Herald Banner reports that the district consulted its legal counsel and came up with a different tax relief measure. Homeowners must apply for the exemption.
- In Lamar County, the Prairiland Independent School District has voted to form a Prairiland ISD police force. School superintendent Jeff Ballard told The Paris News that the move is being fast-tracked for approval through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. The Paris News also reports former City of Paris police lieutenant John Berry has been provisionally selected as the Prairiland ISD police chief, who will supervise two other officers.