WATCH: Voters Guide – Tom Green County Commissioner Pct. 4

Here are the answers to the 12 questions from Nanny in his own words.

 

1.  Do you think it is important to assist the families stranded by Mineral Wells crossing to find an alternative route.  If not, is the subdivision developer responsible? 

 

Yes.  I have a plan to help facilitate an alternative route during the times that the low- water crossing is inaccessible, until funds are available to build a high-bridge at that crossing.  

 

2.  If it is illegal for the County to use County equipment and funds on private property especially roads in subdivisions, what would be your plan about accepting new and existing roads into the county inventory?

 

The policy states that the Commissioner's Court  "may adopt" new roads that are within specs and accept them into the County's inventory.  Any acceptance of roads into the County’s inventory would have to be voted on and approved by the Commissioner's Court.

3.  Are you in favor of increasing the $10 Road & Bridge fee charged on license tag renewals to increase revenue for roads?

Yes.  The $10 fee has been in place for decades, and has not been adjusted to match inflation.  Even a slight increase would substantially increase funding for the Road and Bridge Dept.

4.  Does Tom Green County own any water rights or provide water to any subdivisions?

No. However, the County does help facilitate funding for the water infrastructures for subdivisions.

5.  Would you be in favor of substantially increasing funding for Volunteer Fire Departments and where would you cut the county budget to find those funds?

I am always in favor of providing what is necessary to equip our VFDs.  These agencies are our sole line of defense in areas outside of the city limits, other than the forrest service.  These agencies are manned by volunteers who sacrifice their time and well-being to protect their neighbors.  I will work hand in hand with area VFD’s to secure funding, preferably outside funding that does not come from our taxpayer's pockets.  However, if no outside funding is available, monies must be cut from our non-essential expenditures. In this case, I would have to cut money from our County Parks.  Our VFD's are absolutely necessary.

6.  Would you consider advocating for the County to consolidate road & bridge duties with the City of San Angelo if that process was legal?

No. I feel that this would create too much confusion all the way around.  County crews need to maintain roads outside of the city limits, while City crews maintain the roads within.

7.  Are you in favor of increasing salaries immediately for Corrections Officers in the Tom Green County Jail to increase capacity and where would the funding come from?

I am in favor of increasing Correction Officer pay in order to maintain a competitive salary for that position, but if the money is not there, IT'S JUST NOT THERE.  We need to get creative and identify "perks" to attract and maintain staffing in that area.

8.  The Tom Green County Library system and the County Parks are optional expenditures; they are not mandated by state law.  Would you consider closing County parks permanently and/or substantially reducing Library services to avoid a property tax increase?

I will fight to keep both entities funded without a tax increase. In a worst-case scenario, I would substantially reduce funding for parks, and work with library leaders to determine a way to maintain services at reduced costs.

9.  Does the Commissioners Court have any specific, statutory authority to spend property tax dollars on Economic Development other than property tax abatements?  If so, please explain in detail.  

Editor's Note: Mr. Nanny did not provide an answer to this question.  

10.  What departments or services are you willing to consider cutting to meet unfunded mandates from the state or federal government?

 

As I stated in a previous answer, I don't wish to cut any departments or services.  I will work with our State leaders in order to not put us into a position to have to make that choice.

11.  What is your understanding of the role of the Commissioners Court during natural or manmade disasters in regards to emergency management?

The County Judge is the designated authority in charge of response during any natural disaster. He has guidelines in place to facilitate emergency management response.  The Commissioner's Court abides by the plan and acts as a liaison between constituents and the Judge as a line communication.

12.  Would you be in favor of voting to replace any or all of the members of the board of directors of the Tom Green County Tax Appraisal District?  Why or Why not?

No. These members are voted on and elected by various entities throughout the county, ie water departments, school boards, municipalities, etc. 

Bill Ford in the incumbent County Commissioner in Pct. 4.  He was appointed in 2012.

Below is the link to his interview on San Angelo LIVE!

Here are the answers to the 12 questions from Commissioner Ford in his own words.

1.  Do you think it is important to assist the families stranded by Mineral Wells crossing to find an alternative route.  If not, is the subdivision developer responsible? 

It has always been important to assist the families of Mineral Wells Rd.  Finding a means of additional access is the issue.  New bridge is too expensive.  Easement through private land is also costly or difficult.  Land owners are not so open to allow access through their land.  Still working on that idea.

2.  If it is illegal for the County to use County equipment and funds on private property especially roads in subdivisions, what would be your plan about accepting new and existing roads into the county inventory?

Yes it is illegal to use county equipment on private property without permission, as in emergency situations. We are slow to accept new roads to add to current road inventory due to cost to tax payer.

3.  Are you in favor of increasing the $10 Road & Bridge fee charged on license tag renewals to increase revenue for roads?

Yes.

4.  Does Tom Green County own any water rights or provide water to any subdivisions?

No.  We do provide assistance to Subdivisions and developers to grants and water providers.

5.  Would you be in favor of substantially increasing funding for Volunteer Fire Departments and where would you cut the county budget to find those funds?

Yes.  We have not cut budgets in the past to do so and I don't expect to.

6.  Would you consider advocating for the County to consolidate road & bridge duties with the City of San Angelo if that process was legal?

No.  The county is currently working with COSA to pave (overlay) approximately 20 miles in prct 2 and 4  with funding to use private contractors.   

7.  Are you in favor of increasing salaries immediately for Corrections Officers in the Tom Green County Jail to increase capacity and where would the funding come from?

Yes.  We have funding budgeted to cover jailers if we could hire them and retain them. We are currently 25+ short of staffing.

8.  The Tom Green County Library system and the County Parks are optional expenditures; they are not mandated by state law.  Would you consider closing County parks permanently and/or substantially reducing Library services to avoid a property tax increase?

No.

9.  Does the Commissioners Court have any specific, statutory authority to spend property tax dollars on Economic Development other than property tax abatements?  If so, please explain in detail.

Yes.  We currently work on several projects, not all of which use tax payers dollars.  Some projects where we write grants assist in monies to business owners, developers, infrastructure funds, with federal, state and some local funds where we budget for such projects..  CDBG, Community Development Grants. Texas Capital Funds, the 380/381 Economic Development funds, Texas Tax Code has development funds for emergency drought assistance, loans, etc.

Now we are the pass through for federal ARPA funds for several countywide projects. 

10.  What departments or services are you willing to consider cutting to meet unfunded mandates from the state or federal government?

None.  Have not had to but always possible.

11.  What is your understanding of the role of the Commissioners Court during natural or manmade disasters in regards to emergency management?

Emergency management is coordinated through the Department of Emergency Management (City/County Department) and County Judge. Commissioners and other elected officials work alongside with VFD's and law enforcement as directed in our area.

12.  Would you be in favor of voting to replace any or all of the members of the board of directors of the Tom Green County Tax Appraisal District?  Why or Why not?

No.