Governor Greg Abbott Issues Proclamation Suspending Tax Deadline for Silsbee
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:
WHEREAS, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of the State of Texas, did issue a series of proclamations declaring a state of disaster in multiple counties in South and Southeast Texas as a result of the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Harvey; and
WHEREAS, some voters and taxpayers in the area impacted by the storm may still be unable to participate in and provide input on important matters of local government business; and
WHEREAS, political subdivisions in parts of the disaster area may face logistical and practical difficulties holding open meetings and deliberating on matters of public concern as they focus on assisting Texans coping with the immediate aftermath of the storm; and
WHEREAS, Section 26.05 of the Texas Tax Code requires the governing body of each local taxing unit to adopt an ad valorem tax rate before the later of September 30 or the 60th day after the date the certified appraisal roll is received, and a budget must be adopted before the tax may be levied; and
WHEREAS, certain political subdivisions that remain focused on disaster response were unable to meet the September 30, 2017, deadline in a way that provides the public a sufficient opportunity to participate in the decision; and
WHEREAS, Section 418.016(e) of the Texas Government Code authorizes the Governor, on the request of a political subdivision, to “waive or suspend a deadline imposed by a statute . . . including a deadline relating to a budget or ad valorem tax, if the waiver or suspension is reasonably necessary to cope with a disaster;” and
WHEREAS, the City of Silsbee has requested an extension of the September 30, 2017, statutory deadline to adopt its ad valorem tax rate and budget;
NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 418.016(e) of the Texas Government Code, I do hereby grant the request by the City of Silsbee to suspend the deadline prescribed by Texas law for the City of Silsbee to adopt its ad valorem tax rate and budget until October 29, 2017.
In accordance with the statutory requirements, copies of this proclamation shall be filed with the applicable authorities.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and have officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my office in the City of Austin, Texas, this the 4th day of October, 2017.
GREG ABBOTT
Governor