Paris District Road Report for week of January 1, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Jan. 1, 2024. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Safety Message: Talk. Text. Crash
Distracted driving continues to be a problem in Texas. In 2022, nearly one in six crashes on Texas roads were caused by a distracted driver in which 487 people died and 2,824 were seriously injured. TxDOT’s annual Talk. Text. Crash. campaign is a crucial call-to-action encouraging drivers to keep their heads up and pay attention when behind the wheel.
All distractions – whether texting, eating, grooming, or having a conversation – can be dangerous. Every driver and every passenger, regardless of age, can be impacted by distracted driving. Since Sept. 1, 2017, it has been illegal to read, write, or send a text while driving in Texas. Violators can face a fine of up to $200.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from driving. Distractions can include anything from texting and talking on a mobile phone to eating and drinking, putting on makeup, shaving, reading, programming a navigation system, watching a video, and even adjusting the radio.
What if I need to text or call someone immediately?
Research shows that regardless whether you use a voice-to-text program, hands-free device or a handheld one, the distraction will affect your driving. TxDOT offers these tips to prevent distracted driving that can lead to a ticket, or worse, a crash:
Always give driving your full attention
Pull off the road entirely and come to a complete stop before you talk or text
Put your phone away, turn it off, or use an app or your phone settings to block texts and calls or send auto reply texts while you are driving
Tell friends, family, and coworkers you won’t respond to calls or texts when you are behind the wheel
Remember that all distractions are dangerous, so pay full attention when behind the wheel
Grayson County: US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project.
Mainlane traffic has been switched from the old mainlanes to the existing frontage roads to allow for construction of the new mainlanes and bridges between South Travis Street and Center Street. During this operation, northbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road approximately one-half mile north of South Travis Street and transition back to the existing mainlanes at Middleton Street. Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road approximately one-half mile north of Park Avenue and transition back to existing mainlanes approximately one-half mile north of South Travis Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 mainlanes and bridges at Post Oak Creek. During this phase, US 75 frontage road traffic will be reduced to a single travel lane while US 75 mainlane traffic will maintain two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic will be separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Park Avenue under US 75 are closed to traffic. This closure is necessary to allow for construction of the new overpass at Park Avenue. To detour, eastbound Park Avenue traffic will continue on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on South Travis Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Park Avenue. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Center Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Park Avenue.
US 75, at the US 82 intersection. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads on the northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street, as well as on the eastbound and westbound US 82 frontage road lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on construction of new frontage road lanes.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews construct the new roadway pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a four-lane divided section with turn lanes. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
US 82, from SH 91 to FM 1417 in Sherman. Watch for lane closures as workers install a center median concrete barrier to help prevent crossover head-on collisions.
FM 121, from Main Street in Van Alstyne to SH 160. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Park Road 20 in Eisenhower State Park. Watch for daytime lane closures within Eisenhower State Park as workers perform base repairs on the roadway and then overlay the roadway with a hot-mix surface. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 131 in Sherman. Watch for lane closures as workers replace the bridge railing and guardrail approaches at each bridge structure and install median barrier. During construction, bridge travel will be reduced to one lane while crews replace the bridge railing. Currently, the contractor is working on the westbound US 82 lanes at Harris Creek and on the eastbound lanes at Post Oak Creek. On this project, the contractor is also installing a center median concrete traffic barrier between FM 1417 and FM 131. Motorists should expect lane closures while this work is ongoing.
Crawford Road at the Tributary of Big Mineral Arm. Crawford Road at the Tributary of Big Mineral Arm has been reopened to traffic.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, from the Collin County line to the Oklahoma State line. Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
US 75 debris pickup, from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday and Thursday during the nighttime.
US 75 northbound frontage road. from Shepherd Drive to the BNSF overpass. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform spot milling on the roadway. Exit 55 will be closed during the daytime hours while this work is underway.
SH 56, in Sherman from Tolbert Street to Harrison Street. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform spot milling on the roadway.
FM 902, from US 377 to US 75. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform edge repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2729, from FM 902 to FM 121. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform edge repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County: SH 78, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime shoulder closures and occasional lane closures as workers install sloped-end treatments on drainage structures and replace bridge rail and guardrail.
FM 100, from SH 56 to FM 2216. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 271, from SH 78 to FM 68. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
CR 3210 at Bullard Creek. CR 3210 at Bullard Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure, traffic is asked to use CR 3200 as a detour.
CR 1020 at Caney Creek. CR 1020 at Caney Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure, traffic is asked to use CR 1030 as a detour.
FM 2029, from FM 1396 to FM 273. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform edge repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
Work on these projects is suspended through the Christmas holiday. Drive safely, drive friendly.
Franklin County: I-30, from SH 37 to County Road 3050. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews perform pavement widening for truck parking area.
Hopkins County: FM 900, from I-30 to FM 3019. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
Lamar County: Loop 286, from FM 1497 around the north loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures and perform bridge maintenance.
Loop 286, from US 271 North going west to FM 79. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures, lane shifts, crossing closures and merging traffic while crews place a bonded concrete surface and perform asphalt paving operations.
US 271, from LP 286 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews resurface the pavement and perform bridge maintenance.
FM 1507 (Jefferson Rd), from SH 19 to 0.8 MI North of Loop 286. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk.
CR 26320 at Morrison Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 1497, from FM 1184 to FM 3426. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures
SH 24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from the FM 64 intersection to 1,540 feet east of FM 198. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway and perform bridge rail upgrades.
Delta County: FM 64, from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 2068 at East Fork of Jernigan Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 2675, from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Red River County: Cedar / Church Street (Clarksville, Texas), at the intersection of Cedar and Church Street. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
Locust Street (Clarksville, Texas), at Delaware Creek. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
FM 410, from US 82 to FM 3281. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk and improve drainage.
CR 2127 at Scatter Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 2120, from FM 2573 to FM SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Hunt County: SH 11, from Culver Street to Live Oak. The contractor has placed work zone signs and barricades. The contractor has set signal poles at Live Oak Street and placed drill shafts for signal poles at University Drive. Signal work is ongoing at the various locations. The contractor is backfilling and placing sod at various locations. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 1563, from SH 50 to SH 2655: This is a 2.7-mile rehabilitation project that will widen the existing roadway. The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. The contractor has begun preparing the right of way and placing driveways and driveway safety-end-treatments and cross culvert work in ongoing. The contractor is currently working on a culvert extension and preparing to perform subgrade widening work and base work. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642, from FM 35 to SH 66: The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. Excavation work for the detour is ongoing. The contractor has been performing saw cutting edge lines of the existing roadway for detour tie-ins. Crews worked on fine grading flex base. The contractor has shifted traffic to the West to begin removals of asphalt, concrete and some existing driveways. Placement of storm sewer will begin soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, from I-30 to FM 1567. The contractors have set barricades and work zone traffic signs. Cross culvert work is complete. The contractor has completed subgrade widening and lime treatment of the subgrade near mile 6 of the 8-mile project. Riprap and Erosion control work is ongoing in the area The contractor Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Shelby Avenue and Bledsoe Creek Bridge: The contractor has set barricades and work zone signs at both locations. The contractor has begun demolition of the Shelby Ave existing structure and has begun work on abutments and riprap. The contractor has been placing beams on Bledsoe Creek in Fannin County and placing riprap in locations along abutment. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 intersection improvements from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The contractor will be performing eastbound mainlane widening and embankment placement. Utility work is ongoing. Temporary ramps are now opened. The contractor plans to place more barriers and perform mainlane widening and drainage work in the area. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews for both Hunt and Rains Counties will be performing various sign and mailbox installations on various roads. Both sections have been working on bridge maintenance projects.
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Man Laying on Side of Highway Found With Stolen Credit Card
December 30, 2023 – Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to Highway 19 South in Hopkins County on Friday morning in response to a call received for a welfare check.
Responding officers found a Fruitvale man laying on the side of the highway. The 25 year old male identified as Thomas Warren Masters Johnson consented to a search and was found to be in possession of a credit card with a name that did not match his own identity. Johnson first said the credit card belonged to a friend, then stated he had found the card in a parking lot. Johnson also admitted to using the credit card recently. HCSO deputy advised the suspect of his rights by reading him a Miranda Warning. Johnson continued to answer questions regarding the credit card, while being mirandized, admitting that he had used the card but could not remember where he had used the card. Thomas Warren Masters Johnson was placed under arrest and transported to the Hopkins County Jail.
A subsequent search by jail personnel of Johnson proved to refresh the suspect’s memory of where he had used the credit card as receipts were found from a local fast food restaurant and a movie theater. Johnson was charged with one count of Credit Card Abuse as well as one count of Fraudulent Possession of Credit Card, both charges are state jail felonies. Bond has been set for $10,000 on each charge for a total of $20,000.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Hopkins County Unemployment Continues Downward Trend
December 30, 2023 – The latest unemplyment numbers are in and Hopkins County continues to report the lowest percentages in the immediate North East Texas area. Hopkins County reported an unemplyment rate in November 2023 of 2.8% dropping from 3.2% in October 2023. The new November number was also much lower than one year ago as the November 2022 percentage was reported as 4.1%. Only 533 Hopkins County work hopefuls reported to be unemployed last month out of the labor force total of 18,972 yielding the percentage of 2.8.
Other November 2023 numbers in the immediate area include:
Franklin County 3.2%
Lamar County 3.4%
Titus County 3.4%
Delta County 3.6%
Red River County 3.9%
Bond Set For Suspects in Fentanyl Overdose Murder Case
December 29, 2023 – Two suspects have been arraigned on murder charges stemming from a suspected fentanyl overdose. Recent Texas law that went into effect September 1st allows murder charges to be levied against those supplying fentanyl that results in death and enhances the criminal penalty for the manufacturing or delivery of fentanyl. Bryson Lacy, a 2021 SSHS graduate and standout athlete, was charged along with Xavier Hill for supplying the illegal contraband that led to the overdose death of Brayden Wooten. Lacy was charged with tampering with evidence pertaining to deleting text messages during the investigation into Wooten’s death. Lacy was also charged with first degree felony murder for his involvement in supplying the contraband that officials believe led to Wooten’s death. Bryson Devonte Lacy remains in the Hopkins County Jail with bond set at $1 million on the murder charge plus and additional bond of $50,000 on the tampering charge.
Xavier John Hill was also charged with first degree felony murder by local authorities based on Hill’s suspected involvement in the death of Brayden Wooten. Hill’s bond on the murder charge was set at $1 million. Hill also had bond set on a previous Possession of a Controlled Substance Charge Penalty Group 1/1-B >=1G<4G. bond on that charge is set at $100,000. The previous possession charge stemmed from a traffic stop in October of 2023 when a Sulphur Spring Police officer stopped Hill for speeding and during a license check the officer confirmed four active warrants. During the search of the vehicle a blue pill was observed on the ground at the suspect’s feet. Hill denied ownership of the pill, which later tested positive for fentanyl. As the suspect moved to the front of the vehicle, more blue pills fell from the suspect’s pants leg. During a pat down of Hill, the SSPD officer found a clear plastic bag containing more pills. Hill was also previously arrested in 2021 on two other Hopkins County warrants. That story can be found here: Previous Hill Arrest
What is Beeswax From Master Gardener David Wall
December 29, 2023 – Beeswax. What is it? How is it made? Well, we start with a beehive. The hive is built from nothing, and when constructed, serves as a home, a giant food storehouse, and a nursery.
All three items are built from beeswax. So, what is it and how is it made? Basically, it’s a wax made (secreted) by eight honeybee abdomen glands and produced in scale form. To produce wax, the bees consume honey. During the 40 some-odd days of a honeybee’s life, they have a series of tasks. The task during days 12-20 is to produce wax. Afterwards, the glands atrophy, but can still make wax if necessary.
As wax is produced, other honeybees chew it and mold it into shapes. Next, the wax is used to build the hexagon shaped combs for use as a nursery and food storage container. It takes some 1,100 scales to make one gram of wax. Incidentally, 8.4 pounds of honey is needed to create one pound of beeswax. This hexagon shape requires the least amount of wax, holds the most honey, and takes up the least amount of space, while providing an ideal space for eggs to metamorphosize into a bee.
Beeswax is composed of many compounds (at least 248) which vary depending of the pollen and nectar sources. In order to be produced, hive temperature has to be 91°-97° F. In that temperature range, bees can produce wax on demand.
Bees have two stomachs; one for personal use and the other for storing honey collected. When she returns to the hive, the honey is put in a waiting cell which is then air dried down a water content of les than19% to prevent spoiling and then capped. Later, some of the honey will be fed to wax producers for conversion into beeswax.
Recent New Texas Law Allows Murder Charges For Fentanyl Distribution
December 29, 2023 – House Bill 6 submitted during the 88th Texas Legislature was eventually signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in June of 2023 becoming enforceable September 1, 2023. This bill along with three others were touted by Abbott as “representing a significant step in the state’s fight against the deadly opioid that will prosecute fentanyl deaths as murder, ensure death certificates reflect when people are poisoned by fentanyl, provide more life-saving NARCAN to Texas colleges and universities, and educate young Texans about the dangers of fentanyl.”
The four bills signed into law were:
- House Bill 6 (Goldman/Huffman) creates a criminal offense of murder for supplying fentanyl that results in death, enhances the criminal penalty for the manufacturing or delivery of fentanyl, and requires deaths caused by fentanyl to be designated as fentanyl toxicity or fentanyl poisoning on a death certificate. Current law does not require such classification on a death certificate, with most fentanyl-related deaths currently classified as an overdose.
- House Bill 3144 (Lujan/Campbell) establishes October as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month to help increase awareness of the dangers of fentanyl.
- House Bill 3908 (Wilson/Creighton), also known as Tucker’s Law, requires public schools each year to provide research-based instruction on fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness to students grades 6 through 12. The bill also requires the Governor to designate a Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week.
- Senate Bill 867 (West/Rose) allows the distribution of opioid antagonists, including life-saving NARCAN, to Texas colleges and universities to prevent opioid poisonings.
Hopkins County Records – December 2023
Land Deed Transactions 12/4/23 Thru 12/6/23
- Areli Enriquez and Manuel Enriquez to Huantian Zhang; Tract in the Hodge Adams Survey
- John Dep Ruchanan, Admin, and Eddie Louis Buchanan Estate to Alfredo Estrada Lopez; Tract in the J Ybarbo Survey
- Angela Smith to Heather Marie White; Tract in the J W Hatchell Survey
- Mary Ann Morris to Tina Davenport; Tract in the Jesse K H Pace Survey
- R & R Ranchers LP to Gary Delayne Reamsbottom and Kristie Lee Reamsbottom; Tract in the WM H Moses Survey
- Jana Dodd to Eva Diaz Ortiz and Ruben Monarrez Ortiz; Tract in the John S Bowen Survey
- Celia Guerrero and Pedro Guerrero to Marilu Brito and Lesley Marvan; Tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin Survey
- Samantha Diane Royalty-Dennis and Jack Warren White Jr to Redemption Properties LLC; Tract in the G M Calvery Survey
- William Rogue to Medrano Hilda Mireya Hernandez; Tract in the E Melton Survey
- Vivian Brown to Jennifer Lynn Brown Cook, Alexander Lee Medina, and Joshua Ian Medina; Tract in the Jose Ybarbo Survey
Two Drug Dealers Charged With Murder in Wooten Overdose Death
December 28, 2023 – Two local suspects have been arrested and charged with supplying contraband to 21-year old Brayden Wooten who was found deceased on December 23rd. The suspects are identified as Xavier Hill and Bryson Lacy.
An investigation was conducted upon law enforcement finding pills containing Fentanyl and continuing with investigators tracking down two individuals suspected of being involved in delivering the pills to Wooten.
Sheriff Lewis Tatum activated additional resources of the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department to aid in the capture and arrest of those individuals responsible for delivery of the tainted contraband. In a press release, Tatum said, “I want to remind everyone that if you deliver illegal drugs to anyone in Hopkins County and that person dies of an overdose, you will be charged with murder.”
Both suspects are charged with murder and bond has been set at 1 million dollars each. Murder charges were levied based on new laws signed by Governor Greg Abbott.
Foundation’s Gala Highlights Community’s Uniqueness
December 28, 2023 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation has hosted an annual Gala for eighteen years. It has changed and grown through the years with the Foundation finally settling on a program that suits the crowd.
Yes, it is a fun night punctuated with amazing food, fine wines and beers, live music, games, and frivolity. It is also an important night of fundraising for the Foundation since proceeds are used to fund annual projects selected by the all-local Board of Directors.
The evening provides a time for attendees to celebrate the wonderful local healthcare providers and businesses that Sulphur Springs offers. It is a time for a small community, known for its philanthropic causes, to come together to celebrate its uniquity. This is a community that helped fund families with kids going through cancer by selling painted, wooden yard stakes. Long-timers remember those days. We still see the same level of support, but the signs have been replaced by chili fundraisers, stews, and auctions.
The Gala is a chance to rejoice in our wholesome, caring community that offers more to its residents than towns much larger. It offers a vibrant downtown, active churches, school employees who care, healthcare providers who go above and beyond, donors who give generously, and love and respect between neighbors. Folks, Mayberry has nothing on Hopkins County!
What may seem like just a night of fun is really a statement about who Hopkins County residents are and what we care about. By supporting local healthcare, we are helping our friends, neighbors, and family to live and thrive in an idyllic community like none other.
To be a part of the night, visit the 2024 Gala website LOLGala2024.GiveSmart.com. You will find ticket options, sponsorship levels, and an opportunity to donate. Live and silent auction items and other offerings will be added, so check the site often.
The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Gifts may be tax-deductible as allowed by the IRS. All funds raised are used to improve healthcare in Hopkins County.
For additional information, please contact the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation at 903-438-4799 or [email protected].
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The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Board of Directors gathers at the 2023 Gala for a photo. Left to right are Don Sapaugh, Jarred Pickett, Charles Helm, Mickey McKenzie, Sally Toliver, Jimmy Jones, Pam Black, Garrett Glass, Maleta Reynolds, Jessica Kultgen, and Paul Harvey.
Be Sure to Renew Your Ag/Timber Registration by December 31
Farmers, ranchers and timber producers with a valid agricultural and timber registration number must renew those by December 31, 2023
The ag/timber registration numbers are required under Texas law to claim a sales tax exemption on products used in the course of agricultural or timber production.
“This renewal process is part of helping farmers and ranchers reduce their input costs,” Brant Wilbourn, Texas Farm Bureau associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities, said. “We want to make sure everyone is aware that it’s time for the ag/timber number renewal in order to keep claiming those valid exemptions.”
Legislation was passed in 2011 that required a uniform renewal date for all numbers regardless of when they were first registered. They must be renewed every four years.
Eligible persons must renew their registration with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts by December 31, 2023 in order to continue claiming sales tax exemptions.
Anyone producing agricultural or timber products for sale can complete an application for an ag/timber number. That includes farmers and ranchers who grow agricultural products to sell to others, timber producers, custom harvesters, and aquaculture and apiculture producers. Those engaged in agricultural aircraft operations and commercial nurseries that grow stock from seed or cuttings, replant seedlings in larger containers and foster the growth of plants for sale are also eligible.
A registration number is not needed for seed, feed or livestock purchases, nor is it needed for veterinarian-prescribed items such as medication or topical products.
Items that may qualify for sales tax exemptions include fertilizers, pesticides, defoliants and desiccants used exclusively in agricultural production.
Machinery and equipment, irrigation systems, seedlings for timber, electricity and natural gas, some motor fuel and certain motor vehicle sales and use tax may also be claimed if used primarily for farming, ranching or timber production.
Retailers may accept and keep on file blanket exemption certificates, but those also need to be updated after Dec. 31 to include new expiration dates.
The Comptroller’s office recently mailed renewal information to individuals who hold current registration numbers. There is a unique WebFile number located in that letter that can be used to renew the registration online.
Those who wish to renew by phone may do so by calling 1-844-247-3639.
More information regarding ag and timber sales tax exemptions can be found online at comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/ag-timber/.
