Permits off, county holding its own

October 11, 2012, 6:20 pm by James Walker

Building and septic permits for single-family homes in Burnet County continue to decline, but county officials can find a silver lining.

They are just happy the county continues to survive the ongoing economic downturn better than most rural counties in the state.

"I think it is good we are hanging on,” said County Judge Donna Klaeger, who cited county judge colleague David Fowler in Dewitt County in south Texas, who said his county recently had to swallow hard and approve a 52.9 percent tax hike in order to maintain current services.

Burnet County commissioners recently approved a 6.3 percent tax increase for Fiscal Year 2013, but Klaeger said many of the state’s counties had to raise taxes by significantly higher rates in order to maintain current services.

Herb Darling, the county’s environmental services director, agreed that Burnet County has fared better than most in keeping construction money coming in.

"I feel good about what we are doing given the economy,” he said.

For the full story, see Friday's Highlander.