Good morning Precinct 2!  It's been an eventful last few weeks! 

Tax Relief Passed
At the end of March, Commissioners Court passed a 20% homestead exemption for the county's portion of your property taxes.  At court, Commissioner Noack moved for a 15% homestead exemption. I urged Commissioners Court to pass a 20% exemption, instead. Upon my comments, Commissioner Noack amended his motion from 15% to 20%. I seconded the motion and it passed.

The first time this was brought up we only had one day's notice to consider it. I told the court I needed time to do research, and count the cost, before I could vote for such a motion. I have done extensive research and that is why I felt  comfortable today to move forward.
 
We also passed a $35,000 exemption for anyone who is 100% disabled. Currently if you are 65 years of age, or older, you have a $35,000 exemption. That did not change. I want to thank all of my fellow Commissioners Court members for working together to make this happen. Thank you to everyone who has contacted me to let me know your thoughts on this subject. I welcome your comments any time a matter comes up that is important to you. If you would like to watch the vote, you can do so here. (Select Item 21 and move forward to about 7:30 minutes in).

TOMA Charges Dismissed
The other big announcement was that a fter a four-day hearing, the trial court ruled that the alleged Texas Open Meeting Act charges against myself, Judge Doyal, and others, was unconstitutional and that the charges were dismissed.   This has been one of the biggest tests of faith my family has ever endured.  I am so thankful for the court's ruling.  It is a ruling that affirms my support for open government and my belief that public officials ought to be able to constructively talk to, and work with, the people of Montgomery County without fear of being prosecuted.  My staff and I look forward to continuing the excellent service that our community has come to expect from the Precinct 2 Commissioner's Office.  [READ PRESS RELEASE HERE]

FM2978 UPDATE
AT&T has begun moving their utilities.  They should be through by mid June with relocating and splicing of cable and, at that time, Forde Construction can begin the road widening construction.  Expected construction start date is end of June.

Please don't hesitate to contact me, any time, by email if you have any questions or concerns.  I hope to see you soon! 

BOND PROJECT UPDATES
engineers_at_construction.jpg
Research Forest Contract has been awarded to Cooley Construction and construction should begin in the next 30 days .

Sendera Ranch Contract to be awarded at the next Commissioners Court meeting.

Fish Creek   Bid will be open next week.

Copperhead Road/Nichols Sawmill Extension In design phase.  Construction is slated to begin October 2017.

Notes: You can see a complete list of road bond projects here.  Numbered roads, such as FM 1488, FM 2978, etc., are handled by the State of Texas via TXDOT.
 
SPOTLIGHT ON OUR SCHOOLS
Magnolia High School

NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact: 
Denise Meyers

Magnolia High School One-Act Play is State Bound

Magnolia, Texas (April 10, 2017) -Congratulations to the 2017 Magnolia High School One-Act Play Company as they placed in the top two of the 5A Region which advances the group to State. This is the 9 th year in a row the students have gone to Region and the 2 nd year in a row the students are competing at State. The students will perform on Thursday, April 14 at 4:30 p.m. at the Round Rock Performance Center in Austin.

Dr. Foy Campbell, director of fine arts, stated, "I am extremely proud to be associated with such creative teachers and talented students. I have known some of these students since I was their elementary principal years ago. It is an honor to see them now as award-winning artists."

Moliere  is a play about the struggles of the famous playwright Moliere. The play is directed by Magnolia High School teacher and Director Rod Sheffield and Assistant Director Carter Ridge. There are 8 shows competing for the 5A state title.  
 

[READ MORE HERE]


DISCLAIMER: SPOTLIGHT ON OUR SCHOOLS FEATURES A DIFFERENT SCHOOL IN PRECINCT 2 EACH MONTH.  CONTACT [email protected] FOR QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS.

 
SENIOR DAY - MOCO FAIR
I have always considered it an honor to serve senior citizens any chance I get.  Senior Day, at the Montgomery County Fair, is no exception.  The Charlie Riley Band truly enjoyed performing at Senior Day, as we have done for years.  Thank you for the opportunity to let us play for you!  Also, thank you to Shelly Lane for the great pictures!







OUT IN PRECINCT 2
It was my honor to say the prayer for the opening of the 12th Annual Magnolia 4H Playday Fundraiser. This is a great group of kids and parents. Thank you to the Lonestar Cowgirls for your presentation of the colors. Good luck to all.









Thank you for allowing me to speak and meet with all of you at the Glenmont Estates annual HOA. Thank you to everyone that came out.




Political Ad Paid for by Charlie Riley, JoAnne Moore Treasurer