BOC plans to hike taxes 1 mill, more layoffs coming

BOC plans to hike taxes 1 mill, more layoffs coming

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Saturday, August 14. 2010

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Despite cutting spending by $1.5 million from what was budgeted for the current year, the Barrow County Board of Commissioners plans to hike local property taxes by 1 mill to balance its FY2011 budget.

Part of the problem the county faces in the budget is a second year of a falling tax digest due to the real estate bust. The tax hike is expected to generate around $1 million in revenue.

In addition, the budget calls for another round of employee layoffs. The budget cuts about $329,000 in salaries and benefits for seven full-time positions and one part-time position. Last year, more than 20 positions were cut through layoffs and early retirements or resignations.

The BOC has not announceed which jobs would be cut and commissioner Steve Worley told the Barrow Journal on Wednesday morning that before anyone is let go, the board wants further verification of projected revenues. He said if the revenue outlook improves once the digest is finalized, some of the layoffs could possibly be avoided.

The BOC also has not come to a consensus on which positions to eliminate, Worley said.

Any affected employees would be notified by early September so that they would have some time to hunt for new jobs before their employment ends Oct. 1, he added.

NO PUBLIC SAFETY CUTS
The preliminary budget approved on a unanimous vote was the only one considered by the board Tuesday night. Commission Chairman Danny Yearwood’s alternative budget proposal with $1.9 million in cuts to public safety spending died a quick death at a budget session on Monday night.

Yearwood had proposed closing a fire station and cutting 10-percent of the sheriff’s requested funding for the sheriff’s office and jail. Together, those cuts reportedly would have led to the layoffs of 34 public safety personnel and still left a $1.1 million gap between projected revenues and expenditures.

Prior to Tuesday night’s meeting, Yearwood set out for the public some documents he obtained from nearby counties that show Barrow County is geographically smaller, but spends more on public safety services. But the chairman did not mention either his budget proposal or the figures he had compiled during the meeting.

For more on this story, see the August 11 edition of the Barrow Journal or click here to read the full story online when you subscribe to our new e-edition.

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#1 Maybe Winder should take notice on 08/14/10 at 08:53 AM [Reply]

"The BOC also has not come to a consensus on which positions to eliminate, Worley said".
At least the county is discussing what jobs will be cut. Not an easy job, but it sounds like the decision will be thought through, and the effected employees will have some advanced notice and be able to prepare themselves. Maybe Mayor Chip Thompson could take lessons from the county officials about how employees should be treated.

#2 Self Reliant on 08/14/10 at 11:52 AM [Reply]

That's just great. Raise taxes on the people who pay the bills. And the tax that is raised is one that hits merely because one is a sufficiently "affluent" non-loser that actually owns property. All this so that the new 'welfare queen' class of government employees (such as fire fighters) can maintain their bloated socialistic lifestyle. All these worthless loathsome commissioners should face Recall immediately. I am totally uninterested in hearing the whining, bawling and ranting of these government "workers" about what vital services they perform, how underpaid they are, and how they "need' this money to take care of their wife & young'uns. If you don't like your job 'as is' -- then quit. And, the taxpayer has zero obligation to pay one thin dime to support your whelps. Here's some advice: Stop breeding like rabbits!

#2.1 Honey Martin on 08/14/10 at 01:31 PM [Reply]

Your words "new 'welfare queen' class of government employees (such as fire fighters)."

I also work hard and pay my bills, the same as you; but I'm intelligent enough to know your an idiot. A fire fighter has more integrity in his/her little finger than you could even dream of having in your lifetime.

#2.1.1 Self Reliant on 08/14/10 at 08:24 PM [Reply]

"I'm intelligent enough to know your an idiot. "

But, not sufficiently educated to know the difference between "you're" and "your." You brainy government "workers" should surely enjoy your welfare payments.
They won't last forever. You aren't entitled to a job or to benefits. Be honest and admit that you're a socialist.

#2.1.1.1 Jack Legg on 08/15/10 at 11:39 AM [Reply]

I think ive told you before,self relieant, that tou wouldnt last 48 hours in the real world that you advocate for all of us,your no frontiersman,you are a slick snake oil salesman.

#2.1.1.1.1 Self Reliant on 08/15/10 at 10:37 PM [Reply]

When did I ever advocate the "frontier"? That is your silly perversion. Believe me, I exist (and prosper) in the "real world." It is you who deluded into your socialistic paradise in which the government is obligated to provide lavish income for government "workers" entitled to cushy benefits. There is no economic justification for property-owning taxpayers to finance the care & feeding of spouses and young'uns. And, there is no constitutional justification for the forcible confiscation of the assets of those who have in order that such funds be re-distributed to those who have not. How this position is twisted by you into advocacy of a return to the Wild Wild West is an interpretation so bizarre that the mind reels.

I am certain that your response will be as suffused with absurdity as it will lack in merit.

#2.1.1.1.1.1 Jack legg on 08/16/10 at 01:10 PM [Reply]

Well, When you advocate doing away with the sherrif dept. and fire dept. and ambulances, then what are we supposed to gather from that except that you dont think we need any of those services.Therefore if you dont think we need them then it only follows that you would like "frontire justice" since thats all that would then exist in your perverted ,odd little world.I you want to live in a society then you have to have certain services , if you want to live in the woods then you dont need those servoices

#2.1.1.1.1.1.1 Self Reliant on 08/17/10 at 08:29 AM [Reply]

What is "frontire justice"? Michelin or Bridgestone? Your writing ability is commensurate with your reasoning. Jack LEGG scarcely describes the appropriate anatomical part.

#2.1.1.2 unable to work on 08/15/10 at 09:05 PM [Reply]

After reading your posts it is obvious that you once tried to get a job as either a cop or a fireman, and couldnt qualify to get hired.For somebody to not even be able to be qualifed to get a county job they would have to be pretty stupid , which your post proves that you are.

#2.1.1.2.1 Anonymous on 08/16/10 at 09:10 PM [Reply]

I would say his girlfriend probably ran off with a fireman. She may have gotten as sick of his babble as we have. I can't believe the BMW wasn't enough to compensate for his shortcomings.

#2.1.1.2.1.1 Bavaria Rocks on 08/17/10 at 09:13 AM [Reply]

Ah, nothing provokes a spasm of envious outrage like a reference to a BMW. You might be permitted to polish its wheels, but jealous losers can't even be trusted to skulk in its shadow. So, you'd best keep making monthly payments on your beat-up Chevy and wallowing in your delusion that the superiority of German engineering is mere puffery.

#2.1.1.2.1.1.1 Anonymous on 08/17/10 at 03:44 PM [Reply]

Bavaria Rocks --

My neighbor has a BMW. He also has four other vehicles. He lives in a trailer! -- a 20 year old trailer that he keeps "patching" up.

Just because you own a used BMW - doesn't mean you have money or brains, or common sense - simply means you own a used car.

#2.1.1.2.2 Dead Beat on 08/17/10 at 08:42 AM [Reply]

"For somebody to not even be able to be qualifed to get a county job they would have to be pretty stupid"

You were trying to defend the the government "workers," weren't you?
Try understand what you wrote!

And, no, for the record, despite what you, uh, think is "obvious," I never applied for or even considered being a jug-eared fire-eater or a buzz-cut crypto-nazi.
I did, however, once want to pump out septic tanks.
Even I have my standards.

#2.2 Anonymous on 08/14/10 at 02:50 PM [Reply]

Yet another new screen name. You should pick one and stay with it. You know, just as county employees have the right to look elsewhere for jobs, you are welcome to put the wheels back on your house and move to another county. I don't think you would be missed here, and maybe you could find a community of people filled with other people who think they are better than everyone else. You would fit right in. Then you wouldn't have to suffer through anyone else's "bloated socialist lifestyle". If you feel so much better than the rest of us, tell us all your real name and then proclaim your lack of need of any county service. Also, put your address. We wouldn't want any of our public safety people to bother you with their "service".

#2.2.1 Anonymous on 08/14/10 at 08:34 PM [Reply]

Considering your clever screen name, "Anonymous," I would hesitate before jeering.

And, as for wheels, the only ones I have are on my BMW convertible.

It's 100% paid for -- and with not one red cent of taxpayer money.

Which is a lot more than worthless county "workers," who mooch off my property taxes, (including the ad valorem on the above automobile) can honestly state.

#2.2.1.1 Kenny is that you? on 08/15/10 at 04:00 PM [Reply]

Just because you took the wheels off your trailer, doesn't make it any less a trailer.

Put them back on and leave if you don't like it here.

#2.3 Really, Self Reliant? on 08/14/10 at 02:56 PM [Reply]

Wow! I knew there were hateful and self centered people in this world but your comments just amaze me. I am one of those firefighters. One who gets up every third day and drives to this county for a twenty-four hour shift. That is twenty-four hours away from my family, their birthdays, first steps, first words and first days of school. Twenty-four hours away from my wife, our anniversary, her birthday, and numerous other family events.

Now, before you jump to any conclusions or start bantering. Yes, I knew all about what I'd be possibly missing during those days away when I took the job, I knew I'd miss many important events in the lives of my family but I took the job upon my own accord. What did I also do when I "chose" to take this job? I took this job with the understanding that I may not come home in the morning because I was searching a dark, smoke and fire filled hallway searching for you, your mom or your neighbor when a collapse occured ending my life. I took this job knowing that I may not come home when while cutting your car apart because SOMEONE ELSE ran a red light and struck you in the side of your vehicle, that another driver not paying attention crashes into us and sends me home to my maker. I come to work every third day not knowing if I will have to opportunity to eat a meal or train to improve myself for this county because I am out giving everything that I have to make a difference in someone's life because that is what I trained to do, that is what I wanted to do and this is the life that I CHOSE because I felt the innate desire to be that kind of person who enjoys looking after the welfare and best interests of my fellow man. That is the kind of man I CHOSE to be and there are men and women just like me that serve this county daily.

I honestly, truthfully hope for you and your family that you never need the services that the deputies, firefighters, EMT's and Paramedics of Barrow County provide, but you can bet your sweet backside that if/when you do, every one of them will be there to lend their hand because that is what we signed up for, regardless of the time of day or night, the weather outside, or the family events that we are missing back home.

You can respond however you'd like. The public safety employees of this county have had it rough enough here recently. I seriously doubt anything you say is going to bother any one of us. We know what value we provide to this community and we will keep coming back because there are many more who value us and the services we each provide.

#2.3.1 Honey Martin on 08/14/10 at 06:37 PM [Reply]

I simply want to say to the above and to all of the fire, police, sheriff, ems, armed forces etc...thank you for all you do every day and for the sacrifices you make when it comes to your life and the lives of your families. Please know there are a lot more people like me who feel blessed to have individuals such as each of you than the "Self Reliant's" of the world.

As for most property owners, myself include, we support you 100%. I also agree with the comment from Jacquelin Twiss regarding the hope our county leadership will learn from our mistake and find solutions.

As far as "Self Reliant" is concerned he needs our prayers.

#2.4 Jacquelin Twiss on 08/14/10 at 03:10 PM [Reply]

I work, I pay taxes, I own property and I understand the importance of the fire, police, sheriff, ems etc...

I applaud the BOC for doing what needs to be done. Raising taxes is never an easy decision, neither is laying off employees, but it's something that was/is needed.

My only concern is for the future. What lessons have been learned from this?

Will the board start working together as a cohesive group?

When the economy turns around, will the BOC go back to their free spending ways?

If the economy doesn't improve and revenues drop again next year, what then?

Will the BOC start looking for ways to increase revenue BEFORE it becomes an issue again?

I don't mind their dipping into my account when it's truly needed, but I don't want them thinking I'm (or we the taxpayers) are their cash cow.

They should be looking NOW for ways to bring businesses into the county. They should be looking for ways to get the money that drives through Barrow to stop and spend some here.

#3 Victor on 08/14/10 at 01:15 PM [Reply]

The cuts need to come from anything non-essential such as Leisure Services or anything to do with parks and recreation. Cut those items completely out of the budget, cut power and water to the buildings and put chains across the parking lot to all recreation areas. Right now the county cant afford to spend money for a play to "play".

#3.1 TickedOff on 08/17/10 at 04:19 PM [Reply]

Non essential? Parks and Rec and Leisure services are where the future of Barrow citizens play and grow up and decide to raise their kids here. Problem is when the opportunity to hire te right person for the job came, our commissioners squabbled over 5K the more than qualified applicant needed to come here. Instead we got a BOZO lady from the Carolinas that damn near ruined this vital arm of our community. Recreation, ran right is highly profitable for a county. Look at any surrronding county. Heck, I ran a league in Statham for 4 years and it was highly successful because Mayor Bridges ans the council were behind it and people knew what to do with facilities. Right now, ball fields are at a premium fo field time for tournaments, practices, and fall leagues. Money waiting to be made and childrens lives to be enriched and off the streets. In turn, less crime better communities, families involved, and general community pride. Non essential? I think not. Get off your fanny and attend a ball game, walk the trail, or play a little tennis you might enjoy it.

#4 Taxed Too Much on 08/15/10 at 01:26 PM [Reply]

When working my household budget, when a shortfall occurs, I immediately look to cut out nonessential expenditures: cable tv, cell phone, dining out, extracurricular activities, etc. It boggles my mind that county government cannot (or won't) do the same. If we've got a shortfall, look to cut nonessential expenditures, i.e. leisure services, etc. Reduce salaries, reduce benefits, etc. Public safety is the equivalent of me paying my mortgage and insurance (essential expenditures).

If cutting recreation, parks, leisure services, etc. means someone loses their job, I'm really sorry and sympathetic, but government is not (and should never be) a jobs program. A county employee's job should be no more secure than mine in the private sector. No one has a "right" to a job (even though many think they should). Jobs belong to the employer (in this case, the taxpayers) and can be offered and withdrawn at the will of the employer.

It's about time Barrow County got with the program. I applaud the cutting and trimming that has been done to the county budget to date. But more needs to be done and it should continue until the budget balances. Raising property taxes is not the solution.

#4.1 Raising Taxes is the on 08/15/10 at 03:54 PM [Reply]

equivalent of businesses raising the price of a good or service.

Yes you cut expenses and jobs, BUT once you've cut all you can, you look at other means to balance the budget.

If you stop paying your mortgage and taxes, then the bank and /or county will show up at your door looking for the keys to your house. You effect your credit rating and will have a hard time getting new credit.

Same holds for the county.

If you cut essential services (fire, police, etc) you effect the credit rating of the county; You effect how bond agencies rate the county. You effect the ISO rating which in turn effects property owner's insurance. Insurance companies will charge a higher premium to insure property in the county.

In a household, when you've cut all you can and you still can't balance the budget, most people when then start looking for ways to increase their income.

What can the county do to increase income? Raise taxes, bring in new businesses, attract new revenue sources ...

#4.1.1 James Spencer on 08/16/10 at 12:18 PM [Reply]

Grammar lesson for the day:

Homonyms

You are incorrectly using the homonym affect/effect. You don't "effect" any thing you applied the word "effect" to. You affect them...

Affect

In order to understand the correct situation in which to use the word affect or effect, the first thing one must do is have a clear understanding of what each word means. According to yourDictionary.com, the word Affect means:

1. To have an influence on or effect a change in: Cutting services affects the ISO rating.
2. To act on the emotions of; touch or move.
3. To attack or infect, as a disease: I stopped paying my mortgage and it affected my credit rating.

Effect

The word effect has a different meaning. Here is the meaning according to yourDictionary.com:

1. Something brought about by a cause or agent; a result.
2. The power to produce an outcome or achieve a result; influence: The drug had an immediate effect on the pain. The government's action had no effect on the trade imbalance.
3. A scientific law, hypothesis, or phenomenon: the photovoltaic effect. |
4. Advantage; avail: used her words to great effect in influencing the jury.
5. The condition of being in full force or execution: a new regulation that goes into effect tomorrow.
6. Something that produces a specific impression or supports a general design or intention: The lighting effects emphasized the harsh atmosphere of the drama.
7. A particular impression: large windows that gave an effect of spaciousness.
8. Production of a desired impression: spent lavishly on dinner just for effect.
9. The basic or general meaning; import: He said he was greatly worried, or words to that effect.

#4.1.1.1 Anonymous on 08/16/10 at 03:19 PM [Reply]

These blogs aren't papers being written for a grade, nor are they important documentation. They are simply local citizens expressing their views.

I really can't stand narrow minded people who have to find fault (however small) in other people (or their writings) to feel good about themselves.

So James, give yourself a pat on the back -- I doubt anyone else will.

#5 Tony the Tiger on 08/16/10 at 11:30 AM [Reply]

The problem is that we have the same old bozo's that have been there over the last five years. The comm'ers and not making anything new happen. We have been and still are the laughing stock for a county in North Georgia. No other county around us is as bad as Barrow. Look at Jackson they are attracting new business. With the County located where it is and the county comm's we have no business is going to locate here. Face the facts ... Barrow is still living in the 60's with the comm'ers we have and no new ideas are coming from their group. You all voted the same comm'ers back that was in there just to fight off Danny. Well general public of Barrow County where are you now that the elections are over? We have the same narrowed minded people doing the same narrow minded jobs. Now we have to wait two more years before we get a chance to find someone else to see how they will mess up in the comm'ers seats. Folks it is our faults ... we keep putting them there.

#6 Steven Baxter on 08/16/10 at 01:42 PM [Reply]

For crying out loud, it's not a tax increase.

It's a millage rate increase used to offset the reduction in the taxable value of property. Because of said reduction, most property owners have seen their tax bills go way down. Even with the mill increase their taxes are lower than they were two years ago.

It is not a tax increase. I wish the newspaper would try and explain this correctly.

#6.1 Annie Omus on 08/16/10 at 03:10 PM [Reply]

Tax bills have gone down? Property taxes have already gone up due to no longer getting the homestead exemption. In 2008 I paid $798 and in 2009 I paid $966.

#6.2 LaLa Land on 08/16/10 at 04:29 PM [Reply]

Your address must be Milledgeville. Or, you are a commissioner writing under a phony name. Why yes, of course, the way to help make up a shortfall of millions of dollars is to raise the millage rate and merely equalize things. And, there is the Tooth Fairy, helping the Easter Bunny paint a rainbow!

#6.3 Tony the Tiger on 08/16/10 at 07:28 PM [Reply]

Look dude you have got to be the only one in Barrow Co that is paying less taxes than you paid last year. I will swope tax bills with you. My taxes have gone up every year for the past 5 years. If you are getting a break then that is your luckly break. But the rest of us are tired of making up for you and others that are getting the lucky breaks. For you my friend I am holding up three fingers ... you can imagine which one is yours.

#7 Wits end on 08/17/10 at 10:43 AM [Reply]

There are truths about our overpaid Government workers: If they work as firmen that can save your lot.............The policemen you need is always twenty + mile away. The Tax Assessor and Collector are in your wallet to pay their salary and the above two Gov'ment workers salaries that spend most of their time playing cards and body building and eating donuts in a taxpayer paid for cruiser.

#7.1 county worker on 08/17/10 at 05:22 PM [Reply]

you just make sure that you send yo taxes in looser,meanwhile Im going back inside my cushy county office and turn the AC down another few notches,since people like you are paying for it I like to keep it around 62 in the summer months.

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BOC plans to hike taxes 1 mill, more layoffs coming

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BOC plans to hike taxes 1 mill, more layoffs coming

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