Released by Smith County Commissioners Court:

During a regular meeting of the Smith County Commissioner’s Court tomorrow at 9:30 a.m., the Court will vote to adopt the tax rate and proposed budget for fiscal year 2012.

A public hearing will be held before the vote takes place.

Judge Baker and the Commissioners will be available for comment immediately following the 9:30 meeting.

Smith County is one of few government entities nation-wide to receive the 2011 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award from the National Purchasing Institute, County Judge Joel Baker announced this week. This prestigious award is earned by those who demonstrate excellence, innovation, professionalism, productivity and leadership in their procurement practices.

“We have worked with the Commissioners Court to implement a lot of good procedures,” Smith County Purchasing Director Kelli Davis said. “This is a great honor for the County.”

The National Purchasing Institute is designed to establish cooperative relationships among its members and to develop efficient purchasing methods and practices in the areas of governmental, educational, and institutional procurement.  The mission of NPI is to facilitate the educational and professional development of its members.

Released by Commissioners Court.

After four months in office, Smith County Clerk Karen Phillips says newly implemented policies, restructuring and research have saved the taxpayers of Smith County around $41,000.

Mrs. Phillips, who took office on the third of January, made some policy and personnel changes in the first few weeks that she says are already paying off.