Potter County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Potter County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
County Equipment and Vehicle Fleet Upgrades
The court approved a batch of big-ticket purchases: a Tahoe for Constable #4, a wheel loader and UTV for Road and Bridge, a replacement F-250 for facilities, and new fire reporting software. Commissioners questioned why vehicle quotes came in over budget and discussed adding a buffer to future budget requests.
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Property Tax Rate Adoption
The county adopted a $94.9 million budget and proposed a 6.1% tax rate increase to fund operations and a 2% employee pay raise. Taxpayers will see an estimated $55 annual increase on a median-valued homestead.
Employee Health Insurance Benefits Renewal
The court approved FY 2026-27 employee health insurance renewals with a modest 3% overall increase and introduced a 15% surcharge for spouses who have other employer-provided coverage.
City-County Sales Tax Revenue Sharing Agreement
The court reviewed a preliminary draft agreement with the City of Amarillo regarding sales tax revenue splitting in newly annexed areas within the County Assistance District.
ARPA Fund Closeout and St. Anthony's Project Extension
The county is wrapping up its federal ARPA funds, extending the deadline for the St. Anthony's low-income housing project to April 1 and adding remaining funds to ensure every dollar is spent before the federal deadline.
Potter County Budget Shortfall from Appraisal Correction
A clerical error at the Potter-Randall Appraisal District regarding freeport tax exemptions for Tyson Foods resulted in a $412,126 revenue shortfall for Potter County's current fiscal year. County Auditor Brandon Boston warned that future tax planning and fund balances will need to absorb the loss.