Budget endgame looming; Yearwood speaks to committee, then leaves

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Thursday, August 4. 2011

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The committee that last week reached a consensus about raising the county government’s ad valorem tax rate by 24 percent met again Tuesday to try to whittle down the possible 2.47-mill rate hike.

The committee has only one more meeting coming up on Tuesday, Aug. 9, at 9:30 a.m. At that meeting, it will finalize its recommendations on the size of both the budget and the millage rate increase. Those recommendations are to be presented to the full Barrow County Board of Commissioners that night at the regular meeting that starts at 7.

Making an appearance at the Aug. 2 committee meeting was Barrow County commission chairman Danny Yearwood, who read a statement and then left.

His statement was political in nature and offered no suggestions for how to avoid a tax rate increase. He told the committee he was “appealing in good faith for the taxpayers,” but acknowledged that a tax rate for fiscal year 2012 is unavoidable.

“I realize we have to raise taxes, but is it fair to cut all departments 20 percent or more and not impact all?” he said, an apparent shot at the county’s public safety departments which have been cut less than other departments.

Committee members after the meeting said they didn’t know exactly what the chairman meant by a 20-percent cut to all departments.

The chairman also said that it appears the nation is headed toward a second recession, and he called on the committee to hold the line on spending.

“We as a board can’t continue to let departments control what they would like to have,” the statement reads. “Now it’s a matter of what they need to function adequately (equal to or sufficient need for a specific requirement.)”

“All of this is up to you.”

For the full story, read the Aug. 3 issue of the Barrow Journal online or in print.

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#1 a-non on 08/04/11 at 07:57 AM [Reply]

What an idiot.

#2 Me on 08/04/11 at 08:17 AM [Reply]

If the commissioners vote to cut public safety, I hope Sheriff Smith and the Fire Chief cut the services and the coverage provided in the commissioners district that votes for any cuts. Let them have to wait for an ambulance, fire truck and/or a deputy. These old school commissioners should have to feel the pressure and even have to explain to the citizens in their district why it will take even longer to get emergency services to them.

#3 Both on 08/04/11 at 09:08 AM [Reply]

Both comments above are hitting the nail on the head.

#4 Now they are concerned on 08/04/11 at 09:14 AM [Reply]

Didn't Danny and the boys just try to get their very own Legal Dept because of all the money being spent to defend their actions (harassment). And now they want to cut those services that protect the very people and property they are going to tax? Maybe the county would be better served if we cut the BOC's legal retainer so they would not feel so free to do what ever they want no matter how much it cost.

#4.1 Jack Legg on 08/04/11 at 12:01 PM [Reply]

If idiotwood cared any for the future of the citizens of Barrow then he would have got up and read his resignation letter to everyone.
I hope the rest the commishes stick together and wall him off so that he can not do any more harm.
get a leg up in 2012

#5 Anonymous on 08/04/11 at 12:33 PM [Reply]

Time to elect Ms. Twist and Mr. Anderson

Hope they run

#5.1 Anonymous on 08/04/11 at 12:38 PM [Reply]

These 2 are definitely not the right folks and neither is Jennings or Legg.
We need someone with experience and a proven track record.

#5.1.1 Voter on 08/04/11 at 02:04 PM [Reply]

If legg ran, he'd find a reception similar to that Ms. Sinn-Clark got.

#5.2 Jacquelin Twiss on 08/04/11 at 04:58 PM [Reply]

While I appreciate your vote of confidence, I am not the person to run the county. There is a world of difference in running a small business and running a county government. This lesson we should have learned from the past four years.

We NEED someone who HAS experience in running a MAJOR corporation, or experience running a county government.

Ideally, we will be able to change to a county manager style of government. We can have a professional manage the day to day operations of the county and the chair person can then spend her time marketing the county.

#5.2.1 Ethics on 08/05/11 at 05:31 AM [Reply]

Jacquelin,

http://ethics.georgia.gov/Reports/Late/Late_SearchResults.aspx?OfficeID=45&FOName=BARROW%20COUNTY

#6 Robert Lanham on 08/04/11 at 01:12 PM [Reply]

I find it both sad and amusing that Mr. Yearwood has distanced himself from the budget process this year as he has in the past. Earlier, he said it was because he didn't have a vote. However, the reality is that presenting a balanced budget to the Commission is a significant part of his JOB. He is, after all, the CEO of the county, as he has been quick to point out. In that role, he should be involved with his staff to provide the commissioners with a budget proposal that is balanced - either through the imposition of new taxes, or a reduction is spending, or a combination thereof. Instead, this year, as in the past, he has thrown up his hands, early in the game, and abdicated his responsibilities to any of the commissioners willing to take this role on. Fortunately, some of them have been willing to take on this (almost) thankless task. They have my thanks.

I am sure that tax rates will go up. The ONLY way to make any significant dent in the budget would be to reduce public safety spending, and the commissioners aren't going to do that, even though there are surely some efficiencies that could be achieved should either the Sherriff or the Fire Chief were so inclined. But, they would be minimal, and that leaves us with the inevitable increases in the tax rates.

Quit beating our elected officials over the head over this. None of them want to raise taxes. I've talked to most of them, and raising taxes is the farthest thing on their mind. But most of them understand that there are certain things that government must do - and they are trying to accomplish it as best they can. Unfortunately, Mr. Yearwood offers nothing to the process.

#7 Jim Beckemeyer on 08/04/11 at 02:07 PM [Reply]

The sole purpose of government is to PROTECT the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens. Public safety and those services which are required by the State and Federal governments are off the budgetary table...all else is fair game. The reality is that we apathetically sat by and allowed profiteers to control and manipulate our government and our local economy. The damage is done. Now we control the damage, assess the damage, and determine which part of the hulk can be salvaged or should the entire ship be scraped.

#7.1 scrap it on 08/04/11 at 03:22 PM [Reply]

I say we scrap the ship. call up the govenor and disolve barrow county, let it be divided between gwinnett, jackson, and walton from whence it was borned.

#7.1.1 Right Right on 08/04/11 at 03:49 PM [Reply]

Not Walton, brain-child. Gwinnett, Jackson and Hall.

While I'm correcting you, might as well throw in the phrase "from whence." That's redundant. The word whence means "from where." So, saying "from whence" is saying from from where.

And, the word "borned" is so barbarous, I'm not even going to go there.

Your grammar is worse than your geography.

#7.1.1.1 Just Saying on 08/04/11 at 03:59 PM [Reply]

Right Right on, while you were busy correcting the previous post, you might should have checked the history pages, Barrow was formed from Gwinnett, Jackson and WALTON counties. Barrow has never been part of Hall County.

#7.1.1.2 Anonymous on 08/06/11 at 05:21 PM [Reply]

Barrow was created in 1914 as a way of settling a dispute among the citizens of the City of Winder, which at the time was located at the juncture of three counties. A new county was created from parts of Gwinnett, Jackson, and Walton...

You both are assuming they would want us back

#7.2 Phil on 08/04/11 at 05:58 PM [Reply]

Jim,
"Safety" did not mean fire and police. It meant protection against all threats to the US. I dare you to show me in the constitution that says fire, police and ambulance.

I know everybody will tear this idea up but maybe a way to solve the "SAFETY" problem is to charge a rate (such as maybe $50 to $100) for rolling on fire and ambulance calls. Something like this could help. Then the people who use the services helps keep it running also.

I know it is not perfect but it is an idea for a start.

Ok let the bashing begin. Everyone is always bashing your ideas but they never raise a good idea themselves. It is always easy to bash but hard to lead.

#8 Overtaxed on 08/04/11 at 10:22 PM [Reply]

So the Barrow Republicans are the "tax and spend" party around here? Time to vote the bums out.

#8.1 In the Know on 08/05/11 at 08:07 AM [Reply]

Maybe all of you should learn a few things. I asked my commissioner in my district about this tax increase. I have never had the need for public saftey yet so I was interested at the notion of taxes being raised because of the sheriff, fire, and ems. I was advised the mill rate will be raised due to debt service and property value assesments. That is why our mill rate is going up. Not for public safety. Please ask your elected leaders before you make statements.

#8.1.1 Anonymous on 08/05/11 at 08:34 AM [Reply]

Let's see, raise taxes to pay debt, pay debt that could have been paid for with Splost funds via House Bill (HB240). A little foresight and a phone call to the state for help and we would not have spend my money on the county's bills. That's right "Know it all", its SO MUCH BETTER using my money to pay for interest on a debt rather then on resources to protect my person and property.

#9 To:Phil on 08/05/11 at 07:41 AM [Reply]

I disagree with you 100%. Barrow County citizens are going to be paying higher taxes next year and the taxpayers/citizens have absolutely nothing to show for paying hiring taxes. What a slap in the face to pay for EMS service.

There are many elderly that have worked and paid taxes all their lives. Many of them live on SS alone; they cannot afford to pay for EMS/Fire. I fear that many would be reluctant to call and could potentially lose their lives.

As a citizen, I would like to know what IMPROVEMENTS are going to be made to Barrow County when our taxes are raised. Look around to our surrounding counties; we look like a dump compared to Oconee, Jackson, Hall and Walton Counties.

#9.1 Phil on 08/05/11 at 05:40 PM [Reply]

You certainly have every right to disagree with me. All I was offering was a way to keep taxes possibly lower. I was not trying to be like Obama and scare the elderly. Just offering a possible solution to help.

Pay your higher and higher and higher taxes and enjoy!! What is the difference paying higher taxes or charged on your insurance for a fire or ambulance call. Seems to me you ARE going to pay either way. Think about the old saying … “pay me now or pay me later”. If I am hearing you correctly you want to pay later … and more.

#10 Anonymous on 08/06/11 at 05:08 AM [Reply]

Yearwood just wants public safety cut so he can drive around drunk and get away with it, no questions asked. I haven't been around Barrow County long, but this guy is such an idiot and has no idea how to run a county. If you want to talk about giving each department what the need to function adequately, then how about giving the fire department about 40 more people so they can have the staffing they need and not have to worry about personnel getting injured or killed in the line of duty to inadequate staffing. Get a clue Yearwood, or maybe you should kick and scream a little louder because you're being stripped of your power you ignorant prick!

#11 Anonymous on 08/06/11 at 10:32 AM [Reply]

"The soundest way to raise revenues in the long run is to cut taxes now. The purpose of cutting taxes now is... to achieve the more prosperous, expanding economy which can bring a budget surplus." (Pres. John F. Kennedy)

#12 Phil on 08/06/11 at 03:57 PM [Reply]

I would like to offer a suggestion towards our counties and country’s tax and spend problem. Now I know you all are going to tear holes in it but it is just something to think about. I know the Republicans might be for it and the Democrats will be against it. But the S&P just told us today that we NEED TO CUT SPENDING EVEN MORE!!! A possible $4.2 Trillion cut is needed in the next 3 to 5 years to put us back on stable financial ground. Obama himself promised to cut waste and spending out of Medicare and Medicaid to help fund ObamaCare. We have many people in our county that is on Wick, Welfare and many other government funded programs. So here goes:

I propose to notify everyone in the US that is on any kind of public assistance that they will be receiving a letter in the mail from the local or federal government telling them they have six months to get their paperwork back together or doctor’s letters and re-qualify for the public assistance they are on. If they need help there could be people in all counties to help or assist them. And the second part of this is to require this each 3 years they remain on public assistance.

I know it is not perfect but it would be a start to open a real discussion on this womb to tomb society we have now. We CANNOT continue this direction. At some time it will come to an end and no one will get the assistance. It would be easier to fix it now than 15 years from now.

Ok you can start calling me all the names you want now. At least I have an idea and I care. It may not be what you want to hear … but it would be a starting point.

#12.1 Anonymous on 08/06/11 at 05:17 PM [Reply]

I have a better idea. I propose to notify other countries that we will be calling due loans to them AND we will be cutting all assistance to them. Do you have any idea how much money we send to other countries?

while we are at it, why don't we tell corporations they will start losing their tax deals unless they bring jobs BACK to the US.

#12.1.1 Anonymous on 08/06/11 at 05:30 PM [Reply]

Then what are you going to do if Russia and China calls in their loans from us?

One nuclear weapon exploded in the Middle East will work also.

#13 J.B. Moore on 08/06/11 at 07:24 PM [Reply]

Phil maybe you should read about constitutional offices such as the Sheriff that each county in the country is required to have and the constitutional duties that he has to carry out. However if you dissolve police departments, and use subscription fire service you could save money. Privatize all non constitutional offices and the savings will roll in.

#13.1 Phil on 08/06/11 at 08:22 PM [Reply]

Sorry I didn't check with you first JB.

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Budget endgame looming; Yearwood speaks to committee, then leaves

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