Improved Efficiency and Other Accomplishments

• Economic Development – Commissioner Carpenter has been instrumental in attracting large businesses to Johnson County which increases local job opportunities and increases the county’s tax bases. When the tax base is increased with businesses, it helps to lower the ad valorem taxes paid by individuals.
• Sign-Making Capability Added to County – Carpenter was instrumental in localizing road sign capabilities. With the county having the capability to produce its own road signs, the time it takes to replace street signs has been greatly reduced, making roads safer.
•  1^st Prisoner Work Crew in Precinct 3 – Carpenter started the first prisoner work crew in precinct 3. Inmates work daily, under trained supervision, to keep roadsides and intersections free from obstruction for better visibility when driving. When operating at capacity, this program saves Johnson county taxpayers approximately $100,000 per year.
• Adult Probationers Used for Litter Pick-Up - Carpenter was the first commissioner in precinct 3 to utilize adult probationers to pick-up trash along county roads, saving taxpayer dollars. 
• Recycling Old License Plates – Carpenter began recycling old license plates by making reflectors for use in marking curves and other landmarks along county roadways. These inexpensive reflectors save taxpayers money and make our county roads safer at night.
• Johnson County Services Complex – Working with the Commissioner’s Court, Carpenter was instrumental in purchasing and remodeling what is now the Johnson County Services Complex which houses the Sheriff’s Department Administration, Purchasing Dept, Juvenile offices, and storage for the county without raising taxes.  
• Alvarado Sub-Courthouse – During Commissioner Carpenter’s term, the Alvarado sub-courthouse was remodeled, making it compliant with the American with Disabilities Act and enlarging the space for our employees.  These capital improvements were made without raising taxes.