This is a press release sent from the Galveston COunty Treasurer to inform voters planning to cast a ballot in the November 7 general election.
GALVESTON, TX – October 4, 2023 — Proposition 12, the constitutional amendment providing for the abolition of the office of county treasurer in Galveston County, is not only popular among locals but has gained statewide support. If approved by Galveston County and Texas voters, Galveston County will become the tenth county in Texas to eliminate their treasurer’s office joining Andrews, Bee, Bexar, Collin, El Paso, Fayette, Gregg, Nueces and Tarrant. The proposition only affects Galveston County.
Galveston County Treasurer Hank Dugie successfully won his election against a twenty year incumbent on the platform of eliminating the redundant and outdated office and once sworn in elected to forego his official salary. The Commissioners Court of Galveston County unanimously and bipartisanly approved of the measure as well as local city councils, public safety associations, business leaders, and others. A bipartisan group of a dozen Representatives and Senators from across Texas signed on as sponsors in support of the constitutional amendment and County Judges from two of the state's largest counties submitted letters of support. More leaders and organizations are endorsing and recommending a vote FOR Proposition 12 everyday.
“This truly has been a team effort. Grassroots citizens realized the need for a better, more streamlined and cost effective way to operate our county government and have supported me and their other local officials in carrying out that mission. I want to thank our Commissioners Court for their vision and Senators Middleton and Creighton and Representative Bonnen for passing the necessary legislation to allow this important issue a place on the upcoming November 7th ballot,” said Galveston County Treasurer Hank Dugie.
“I stand with the Galveston County Commissioners Court in support of SJR28 and HJR134, proposing a constitutional amendment to abolish the office of County Treasurer in Galveston County. The County Treasurer’s office in Collin County was abolished by constitutional amendment in 1984 and we continue to experience excellent financial oversight and transparency. Collin County was recently awarded the coveted Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 43rd consecutive year, and today our Collin County taxpayers enjoy one of the lowest county property tax rates in the state,” said Collin County Judge Chris Hill in a letter to the Texas Legislature.
“I stand in support of the Galveston County Commissioners Court’s desire to abolish their County Treasurer Office and I urge you to support SJR 28 and HJR 134, proposing a constitutional amendment to abolish the Office of the County Treasurer in Galveston County… The County Treasurer Office in Tarrant County was abolished over forty years ago. Tarrant County has continued to maintain efficient and responsible government, without a County Treasurer Office during that time. Independent third-party auditors have concluded that Tarrant County maintains appropriate policies and financial practices,” said Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare in a letter to the Texas Legislature.
According to a fiscal analysis by the Galveston County Budget Office, eliminating the office of Galveston County Treasurer and disbursing duties to other existing officials will save taxpayers more than $450,000 annually.
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