BOC poised to raise tax rate

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Saturday, July 24. 2010

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The Barrow County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday held the first of two called meetings to deal with a $6.3 million gap between projected revenues and spending in FY2011.

No budget-related votes were taken, but the commissioners appeared resigned to raising the property tax rate in order to keep revenues stable following a second year of declining property values.

The digest declined last year by about 3.5 percent, and it is expected to drop by at least that much when the final numbers are released later this summer.

A 1-mil rate increase would represent almost an 11 percent increase in the ad valorem tax rate and cost $40 for every $100,000 of a property’s value. It represents about $1.5 million in tax revenues for the county.

Three of the commissioners who have been most involved in budget process – Larry Joe Wilburn, Steve Worley and Billy Parks – said they could see no way around a rate hike.

Worley said local residents have made it clear to him that they aren’t willing to cut services enough to prevent a rate hike.

“If you don’t want to cut stuff,” Worley said, “you know what the alternative is.”

CFO Rose Kisaalita said rather that decide on the specific rate increase now, the board could simply agree to “back into” the new rate by basing it on the percentage of the decline in new tax digest.

That would enable the BOC in September to adopt a “revenue neutral” rate that would keep overall property tax revenues stable, rather than actually increasing taxes.

Under that scenario, the only taxpayers likely to see a higher tax bill this fall would be those whose properties did not lose value in the most recent reassessment.

In addition to the tax rate hike, the commissioners on Wednesday seemed to be in agreement with a $3.3 million cost-cutting proposal from the administration.

It calls for the following cuts: $1.2 million from the offices of the county’s other elected officials, $703,035 from county departments, $199,178 from local agencies, and $1,100 in requested salary increases for the law clerks working for the county’s judges.

The $3.3 million proposal also includes savings from the board’s recent restructuring of $12.4 million in bond debt and from agreeing to make the minimum required contribution to the employees’ retirement plan.

Though he recommended the lower payment to the retirement plan in FY2011, Chairman Danny Yearwood noted that the county's plan currently is underfunded and that making the minimum contribution would not be possible again for another 2-3 years.

In addition to the tax rate hike and cost-cutting proposal, the board discussed a possible across-the-board cut in departments’ non-payroll operating expenses.

That issue, along with additional cuts, will be discussed at the second called meeting at 2:30 p.m. Monday.

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#1 Eddie Punchclock on 07/24/10 at 09:06 AM [Reply]

I am hard-pressed to name any "services" the county provides that benefit me personally. But, they sure tax the tee-total hell out me, property-wise. Worley
et al. should be castrated, but that would imply they possess something to actually be removed. So, as an alternative, they should be eradicated & expunged from public office posthaste. This also extends to "sheriff" Jughead, who lacks the experience to run his office, but still desires a whole new fleet of hemied-up Chargers so his deppities can tear-ass around the county playing gestapo.

#1.1 Anonymous on 07/24/10 at 11:52 AM [Reply]

You don't know what you got 'til it's gone.

#1.2 ticked on 07/24/10 at 02:48 PM [Reply]

you dont think very well because all the services benefit you...just imagine your house on fire or you having medical problems or maybe even someone breaking into your house then tell me they dont benefit you..everyone wants to cut public safety but when it comes to needing them they complain because it takes to long...there running on bare minimum now so when your house burns down or your stuff gets toted off because you cut them more i dont want to hear any of yall tight wads gripe or complain

#1.3 What on 07/24/10 at 02:51 PM [Reply]

What in the hell are you trying to say you illiterate pathetic piece of Barrow County Trash? Oh my ! ! !

#1.3.1 What the? on 07/24/10 at 05:28 PM [Reply]

Trash? Sound like you're right there with him.

#2 Spiderman on 07/24/10 at 10:22 AM [Reply]

For years the commissioners have lied and said they have not increased tax since they did not change the mil rate (the digest/property values were increasing thus taxes went up) now that digest is going down they want to tell the truth? Show us a graph of Barrow Counties budgets for the last 10 years! I remember Danny could not afford to pay his tax when first elected, now he can afford them because he has a county job. Many of us can't afford the current tax rate and we sure can't afford an increase. I recently saw the grass cutting equipment the inmates use. It is crazy that the citizens have to make sacrifices while we impove conditions for inmates? Cut services, cut salaries, cut every thing then maybe we can afford to pay our taxes.

#3 tom on 07/24/10 at 12:03 PM [Reply]

Now you morons that voted the same crew in the other days elections is now going to pay for it. I hate to say this BUT I TOLD YOU SO!!

#3.1 What the? on 07/25/10 at 04:31 PM [Reply]

Tom, I sure hope you don't vote. You sound like a true moron.

#3.1.1 tom on 07/26/10 at 05:18 PM [Reply]

Yes I voted SMART ASS IGNORANT IDIOT. I have always voted for the best man I thought for the job. It did not matter where they were demo's or rep's. But after what the democrats did in washington by ramming the Obama Care and other things down our throats I make the following statement. "I WILL NEVER EVER AS LONG AS I LIVE EVER VOTE AGAIN FOR A DEMOCRAT FOR ANY REASON OR FOR ANY POSITION. It does not matter if the demo probably would be the best man. I have 18 close relatives in my family and we had a family meeting on the Sunday that health care was passed and all joined the rep party and sent them and the tea party a donation. Well all took the pledge to never vote demo again. I hope after we start paying these new county taxes and all the crap the Obama party has passed that other people will do the same. It is time we take back our country from idiots like you and dry up the hawg trough for the blood suckers like you.

#4 Hotrod on 07/24/10 at 12:24 PM [Reply]

Remember me? I am the one that told the voters if they re-elect these idiots that you get what you deserve. Well here comes what you deserve. I say cut the comm'ers salary in half and cut KING DANNY'S pay to nothing. That would be a start. I see others getting laid off and services cut but no cut in their pay. Let lay them off. I told you to go and check what they have and have not voted for. Well you will remember what they vote on next want you!!

#5 Robert Lanham on 07/24/10 at 12:43 PM [Reply]

Get over it - they provide you all kinds of services - you ever need a emergency medic? how about fire protection - or a policeman? ever go to the library? Do you drive on the roads? If you do or need any of these, you are being provided services. I don't like to see my taxes raised any more than the next guy, but I understand that there are needs that have to be met. Of course, Eddie, if you promise not to call 911 when you have an emergency, and you promise not to use county roads, and you promise not to use any of the other "services" that you say you don't use, then maybe they will cut you some slack. Otherwise, quit your complaining. The County Commissioners are doing their best to minimize the impact of a tax raise on all of us, and they should be commended, not criticized.

#5.1 Eddie Punchclock on 07/24/10 at 07:04 PM [Reply]

Boy oh boy -- objecting to being bled dry by government "workers" really shakes the apes out of the trees. Yep, just hint that the spigot ought to be tightened and the deluge of angry threats pour from the skies. The hogs don't want those government salaries and lavish benefits to be curtailed -- not even if the overburdened citizens have to be taxed into oblivion to provide what these "workers" believe they are entitled. Just as sure as a dope fiend is addicted to a narcotic, these "workers" fly into a frenzy if you tell them they should quit sucking at the taxpayer teat. What this country needs is a revolution -- one that cuts government down to tiny size. And, I don't intend to stop complaining or criticizing about profligate waste & outrageous spending no matter how much it offends a bunch of lousy pimps.

#5.1.1 Eddies way on 07/24/10 at 07:21 PM [Reply]

Wow Ed, real smart . Then we could all live just like they did on the frontier.Every man for himself, the strong and wealthy ride roughshod over the little guy.Somehow I just dont believe you would have been man enough to make it back then,or today if we were to return to that way of life.I think people like you need government to tell you what to do,you just dont want anyone else to know it.

#5.1.1.1 Eddie Punchclock on 07/25/10 at 09:08 AM [Reply]

By "frontier" days, do you mean, say, 1999? No use trying to debate the likes of you with logic and facts as you deal in neither. If one fire station was closed, then no property tax increase would be, uh, "needed." Worley admitted that the tax increase was due to recreational "needs," staffing, promotions and other unnecessary nonsensical fluff. Government should do what is necessary and no more. It should not exist to provide cushy employment and
cradle-to-grave sustenance for a pack of parasitic leeches and their burgeoning families.

But, given unfettered access to the purse strings, government will spend to infinity and beyond.
Just look at that oak and marble government edifice constructed off highway 211.

And, when this truth is pointed out, the parasites who derive their perpetual nourishment from taxpayers howl in unrighteous indignation about how unmanly "trash" want to protect the evil filthy rich from destroying the poor pitiful poor "little guys."

Untrue.

No, we property owners and taxpayers simply resent being bleed dry year after year to supply a lavish existence for government leeches and their entitlement programs. Go suckle at another teat for awhile. this wet nurse has dried up.

#5.1.1.1.1 Eddie smells on 07/25/10 at 08:17 PM [Reply]

I see you found yet another name to post under. Good idea, since I am sure you would be the first one to start crying lawsuit if you needed one of our emergency services and didn't receive what you feel your tax dollars entitle you to. Wouldn't that be something? Someone pulls out in front of you tomorrow and you are pinned in your vehicle. Tell the fire department to go home when they get there. Or someone robs you and you start screaming about your safety. Also, it would be great if you would stop using county roads. Thanks. Funny how every time you draw up a new name to post under, I can smell you. Same high horse banter every time. Go take your meds and count to ten and then reply. I am waiting.

#5.1.2 Johnny on 07/25/10 at 12:13 AM [Reply]

Eddie, I have a simple question. Can you compile a list of various Barrow County government workers and what you think their salaries should be? I'm kind of curious as to what you rationally think they should make.

#6 Tony on 07/24/10 at 05:50 PM [Reply]

Robert you are a DANNY LOVER ... I can tell. Yes call the police and the guy has already gotten my tv and gone before they can find one and send them to my house. The fire department wants to jump on top of my house and cut a hole in it so it can get air and burn faster. As for the EMT and Barrow Medical Center ... thats a real bunch. What roads ... you mean the pot holes we dodge? Hope you and Danny move some day.

#6.1 Robert Lanham on 07/25/10 at 06:16 PM [Reply]

Actually, a Danny lover is the last thing I am. I think he's made a lot of mistakes as Chairman. But I understand that government does not function in a vacuum. Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes put it best - "Taxes are the price we pay to live in a civilized society."

#7 Anonymous on 07/24/10 at 07:57 PM [Reply]

Robert I live in a 645k house and I know that I pay 3 times the taxes you pay. You and all the other entitlement blood suckers can bite me. Come November there is a change coming. This womb to tumb entitlements have to stop. The word you need to remember is GET A JOB and quit sucking the tax payers dry. The economy is do bad that we need to cut all entitlements out. We can live without a library, softball fields, mental health department and many other couty paid for departments for a year or two until we can better afford it. I have elderly parents and they are the ones that get screwed. They paid their ways and they can't get what they deserve because of all the Obama people and mexicans drawing all the money. Again when you pay what I pay you have a large voice then .. until close your narrow minded mouth and get out of the way of progress.

#7.1 Victor on 07/25/10 at 12:14 PM [Reply]

Hey, rich guy. You have one voice. Yours isn't more important becuase you are rich (or mortgaged up to your neck. Get over yourself. You are NOT more imiportant because you have money, and your voice isn't "larger". You sound like a pompus ass.

Do you seriously think the county should completely mental health funding and the library? You need to stop eating with your golden spoon and leave your ivory mansion on the hill once and a while. There are people in this county that need those facilities...

#7.1.1 What the? on 07/25/10 at 04:35 PM [Reply]

What, Victor? Your government check late? Is that why you're so mad?

#8 Anonymous on 07/24/10 at 08:11 PM [Reply]

Bet these people in that accident in front of Walmart were glad we had, sheriffs, fire ,EMTs, etc...

#9 Jacquelin Twiss on 07/25/10 at 07:48 AM [Reply]

The problem is - when you rezone land out of AG, the demand for services explodes exponentially. Just think about it. One farmer on 100 acres becomes 300 homes. The population density goes up, the need for services go up. The people who think the BOC need to look at past budget to calculate the current budget need to understand the incremental cost per person.

The time has come for the BOC to HAVE to raise taxes because of the increase demand for services and decreased revenue.

Oh course they could look at all the money that's passing through Winder and Barrow County. I see big expense cars and trucks passing through all the time with license plates from other counties. The BOC needs to figure out how to get them to stop and spend some money here. That would increase sales tax revenue.

The BOC needs to find ways to attract and retain business (small/medium/large). They need to work with the business owners. They need to promote Barrow County. You would think a used car salesman could sell anything even in a lemon economy.

3 ways to balance the budget:

Increase revenue by attracting new business
Increase the property taxes mil rate
Decrease the population density, and I know they would love for me to pack my little butt and leave.

#9.1 Pssst... on 07/25/10 at 08:25 PM [Reply]

Pssst...hey Jackie...you lost. You can quit campaigning now. I got to vote against you and it was great! Oh, and if you leave, take your horses with you. They stink...

#10 Spiderman on 07/25/10 at 09:16 AM [Reply]

Eddie Punchclock for chairman!

#11 Tom on 07/25/10 at 11:25 AM [Reply]

I believe the saying goes "life, liberty and the persuit of happeness". I don't believe it says "life, liberty and a govenment check". We have to get out of this entitlements are guaranted. Get a job you lazy people. These are very hard times and there are things we can suppend for 1 to 2 years to get back on our feets, then go back and pick them up. Johnny does not need the county to furnish him a ball field so he can be baby sat and the parents can drop them off and not have to be a parent. The library can be suspended for a short time. A lot of other things could be suspended for a short time. The trouble is the lazy people do not want to work and don't care if others are struggling to pay our taxes. They just want their damn check or services. The county employees are just like the state hwy workers ... it does not take 4 people to hold up a shovel. We have prisoners and we should use them like Jackson Co does for certain jobs and not have paid employees for these jobs. There lots of ways to cut out the excess spending ... it is just that the lazy people don't want to listen or work. There is not a single one of you lazy Barrow entitlement people that rides with me to Atl every day or there when I get back late in the afternoon but you are sure there when the entitlements are handed out. You have no trouble showing up then. I also say if you are going to draw any county entitlement that you should show up on the courthouse steps every monday morning then pick up trash, wash windows, paint, cut grass and do anything else needed for 40hrs to get that check. I bet there would not be a single person show up ... BECAUSE THAT WOULD BE WORK. And all these people that sets back and wants someone else to keep them up surely wouldn't be there. That is the problem ... they want ... but they don't want to do.

#11.1 What the? on 07/25/10 at 04:41 PM [Reply]

I've got an idea. How about we have the prisoners patrol the streets and put out fires, too. I mean, we don't need all these guys driving around eating donuts all day long. I do agree, though, if you get a welfare check, then get your ass out of bed and work for it.

#12 Anonymous on 07/25/10 at 02:44 PM [Reply]

No Victor if it was not for us rich guys what would you do? You and the rest of your little cry babies. If the rich man did not pay your way what would happen. You are not going to keep this county going. You and all your entitlement people. A man works and pays his way ... not let the rich keep up the few. You watch Jerry Springer and Judge Judy every day and then get in the front of the line when something is being handed out. You have no clue who pay for what do you? You are a parasite on this county. Move to Jackson or some other county. Us rich guys work and pay our ways ... we don't let the rich guy keep up us. What a shame you are why the economy is where it is. Bleed all the give me programs down then what do you want? More taxes to keep your dumb ass up.

#13 Tony the tiger. on 07/25/10 at 06:12 PM [Reply]

You morons ... who do you think pays the most property taxes, state taxes, and federal taxes that furnishes the give me programs. The top 5% of the people. Not you standing there with your hand out. Who hires you and give you money to support your family. Who creates job? Who invests in the communities. Who builds buildings and hires people? It ain't you moron. Get off the back of the rich people you idiot. If they were not here you would not get your hand me outs. Just sit at your table next time with you mouth full of tax paid food and complain about rich people. I now understand why the education process in Barrow Co is lacking. If you are going to complain ... please do some reading and understand the economy before you spout that crap you call reasoning.

#14 hotrod on 07/25/10 at 06:58 PM [Reply]

The biggest problem is that we have created a society that thinks they DESERVE a hand out. We have made it so people can stay at home and make more money than the good people that goes and works at Mickey D's and other places. The workers at the low paying job still have pride. They show pride in they are doing their dead level best to support their famlies and do not want on the tax payers to bail them out. I have a lot of respect for these people. I tell them thank you every time I get a chance. We have to make it where Victor can make more money working at Mickey D's than drawing tax payers money. Right now that is not happening. Where is the incentive to go to work when they can make more than the great people who have the pride and still get up and go to Mickey D's. Victor how about you getting some pride and be the better man. Get off the tax payer back.

#15 TickedOff on 07/26/10 at 09:50 AM [Reply]

Once again we are embroiled in the can't see the forest for the trees dilemma. Everyone on this thread has a right to post whatever they like. One of the freedoms we still have. But arguing over the issue of to raise taxes or not, who lives where,whos getting a handout is exactly what our federal and local leaders want us to do. Meanwhile, we'll get tired and drink their Kool-aid. Instead, we need to examine what could save the county money.
1) Sell OUR ill advised "airport" property the county purchased with OUR money underhandedly through the development authority. This one move puts us in the RED again.
2) Fire those that sued the county and were found to have no case. WE paid for that. It will save money in the future. People will think twice about a quick payday.
3) Get the "elite" builder/developer group that think they are above the law to pony up on all their past due property taxes. I am amazed at the list that was in the paper over a year ago. If I let my taxes go that long I'd be on the street.
4) Bill the city for EMS services they have been and are getting a free ride.
5) Get someone in the recreation dept. with a brain and vision fot the future of this county . When you have nothing to offer a family moving to the area they'll go elsewhere.
6) Get county police and other vehicles that are being driven home off the road. Thats one of the first things Forsyth Co. did when they got into financial straits. They did not wait two years and then decide.
There you go 6 ideas from a less than brilliant
citizen. Please note, I didnt fire anyone, cut any pay, raise any taxes. But nothing will change and we will sit by and fuss when the Chairman and the SAME bunch of nuts that just got reelected pour your cup of Kool-Aid.
But rest assured this will be the Chairmans final ride. He ran on a stump that he wouldnt raise taxes. Guess he lied. Somehow that don't suprise me.

#15.1 Robert Lanham on 07/26/10 at 12:30 PM [Reply]

You have some good ideas, TickedOff, and some not so good.
1. I'd like to see them sell the airport property too, but the county is under water on it right now. It might save us some money in debt service, but it isn't going to help the bottom line.
2. Not a good idea - that smacks of retaliation, and is a good way to get another law suit - one that would cost the county big time.
3. Amen to that.
4. I live in the city and I pay county taxes specifically for EMS services. No free ride here.
5. Can't speak to this one.
6. Agree with you on that one - but that's going to create a battle royal with the Sheriff.

#16 TickedOff on 07/26/10 at 04:28 PM [Reply]

Not trying to start a major war here just a friendly dicussion Robert. Selling the prpoerty would be a tremendous move. I did nt say to take a beating on it. While I am aware of the economic state we are in, not everyone is broke. There are many businesses or individuals that are more than capable of that acqusition.
Save the retaliation speech. This #2 statement I made comes from a private enterprise sector. When someone spends my tax dollars contrivng an office break in, racial discrimination, sexual harrassment and are found to have no merit, they need to go. Most resign of embarassment, but not in Barrow Co. A free ride is a free ride. This is differnet in other counties. You pay taxes for EMS but in Barrow Co it is known as BCFES. If thats the case why does winder need a police dept., fire dept, or street dept? Who gives a crap what the sheriff thinks. This move is not jeopardizing services to Barrow Co. Please don't misinterpet my angst, its not directed at you. Just really tired of our leadership taking it to us instead of looking at other options. Even more tired of our citizens allowing it.

#17 Danny Gotwood on 07/30/10 at 04:55 PM [Reply]

Bankrupt used car salesman for chairman. WOW.

Property owners in Barrow are not overly taxed. Check Gwinnett and Oconee. One mil increase equates to approximately $40 per $100K in property value. That's $40 per year. McDonalds will be the only business taking a slight hit.

Let's do math. That's the school subject with the numbers for Punchclock. Take a little from a large group or take a lot from a small group. You don't need a degree for this one.

These issues are not only about raising revenue. How about fiscal responsibility? Its easy to determine if someone is embezzling money. There is always a trail to follow. It is much harder to determine stupidity with reference to finances. The county still owns the property on Hwy 53 south of Hwy 316. The interest only payment is enormous. The real estate agents who have the next property over requested to combine the parcels to make a more attractive sales offer. Denied by the commission. WOW.

If you wish to not benefit from public safety, write letters to the Fire Chief and Sheriff and request no response to your emergency. If you had any idea what th(we)ey do and who th(we)ey deal with you would be surprised. And no, you cannot turn down public safety protection. Sheriff is constitutionally bond to protect you (usually from yourselves.)

Sheriff Jarhead. That was a good one, especially since he did not have to cut employee pay any, but agreed to. Please understand that State and Federal law require the Sheriff to be funded. The commission says no, the Federal judge says yes, the commission says no again, and then they go to Federal prison for contempt of court.

Apparently there is no Proctologist approved treatment in the new County Insurance plan. Figured they would offer one since county employees are getting rearended.

Lastly, please review your posts before submitting them. You cannot make an effective argument when the posts are grammatically horrible.

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