Public Information Office 210 S. McDonald Street Suite 626 McKinney, Texas 75069 www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 2, 2006

Collin County Commissioners Court to present fourth annual State of the County address "Forward Motion"

(McKinney, TX) – On behalf of Collin County government, the Commissioners Court will present the fourth annual State of the County address at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 13th at the Spring Creek campus conference room of Collin County Community College. This year’s theme is “Forward Motion.”

As with previous years, the Commissioners Court will provide a budget briefing, details regarding capital improvements, status reports on primary road projects and an emergency management update.

“When we began this address four years ago, it was our intent to help educate residents about the services provided by this county,” says Collin County Judge Ron Harris. “We have been pleased by the attendance during previous years and hope that the interest continues for our upcoming address.”

Among the subjects, regional and local transportation issues will be discussed. “We will review the regional mobility plan and discuss mass transit,” says Collin County Commissioner Jack Hatchell, Precinct 4. “We will explain how we are preparing our thoroughfare plan to adapt to the increase in population, which is expected to double in another 20 years.”

The Outer Loop, which will be developed from the Dallas North Tollway on the north side of the county, along U.S. 380 to the Rockwall County line, is also on the agenda. “When it comes to transportation projects, we are exploring a number of possibilities,” says Collin County Commissioner Joe Jaynes, Precinct 3. “This is why we are encouraging input from residents at our various public meetings.”

The Collin County Commissioners Court lowered the tax rate from 25 cents to 24.5 cents a few months ago. “This is a time in which we can show how the general fund is distributed,” say Collin County Commissioner Jerry Hoagland, Precinct 2. “For example, 60 percent of the general fund is applied to public safety and court operations.”

Additional subjects to be discussed by Commissioners Court members include the development of a regional communications center for public safety and health officials, an update on the countywide asphalt plan and a health care services update.

“This is the best opportunity for residents to learn about county government,” says Collin County Commissioner Phyllis Cole, Precinct 1. “From emergency management to health care, we will cover all the bases.”

The State of the County address is open to the public, but reservations are requested. Persons interested in attending should call 972-548-4631 or email tmercer@collincountytx.gov by Wednesday, November 8th so an appropriate number of seats may be reserved. Commissioners Court members will be available for individual questions following the presentation.

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