Commissioners Learn about Shire

Andrea Gray, attorney for the Joint Development Authority of Jasper Morgan, Newton and Walton Counties (JDA) made a presentation to the Jasper County Commissioners Monday evening telling the commissioners that Shire’s investment has exceeded its initial investment, resulting in substantially more tax revenues for the counties and school districts.

Ms. Gray presented a handout that showed the money each county is expected to receive over the 10 year tax abatement period. After 2027, the tax abatement ends, and Shire will be taxed on its full value, meaning the counties will get even more revenues after that time. Jasper County thus far has invested $906,261 in the venture, and as of 2027 will have taken in $5,371,365, according to figures presented Monday.

When more development takes place at Stanton Springs, the counties would be in line to get even more tax revenues, but thus far Shire, formerly Baxter, is the only tenant. About 1,100 acres remain available for other industries to locate. Mr. Jordan pointed out that Shire’s investment is the second largest economic investment in the state, with KIA in West Point being the largest.

Ms. Gray and Steve Jordan, one of Jasper County’s representatives on the JDA said that the company has already hired some 700 people, and is looking for another 800. Most of those already hired were extremely specialized, and now more jobs without requiring as much specialization are available. Mr. Jordan urged the commissioners to get the word out to people locally to go to the Shire website and apply for the positions.

The commissioners also heard from Chief Appraiser Lynn Bentley about the digest, and changes to the digest. Ms. Bentley explained that the sales ratio must be between 38 and 42 for the county to collect its fair share from utilities, and that is why it is necessary to revalue the property every year. The state audit is a year behind, so for 2015, the county’s sales ratio was on the low side, but the total came in at 38.16, enough to have utilities pay their fair share.

However, property values are changing rapidly she explained, and gave

commissioners a handout explaining what the values are now compared to sales. Property values will definitely increase next year, she explained, because it follows the market. Sale prices are up so property values must coincide.

Ms. Bentley explained how much money the county would lose if the sales ratio is below 38 percent. In addition, the Department of Revenue audits every three years, and if there are deficient numbers for two audits in a row, the county can be subject to a $5 per parcel fine which would total some $50,000.

She also had a printout showing taxes for about a dozen counties throughout middle Georgia, and Jasper’s taxes are about in the middle.

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Commissioners thanked her for the education, and suggested they need to get the word out so residents are not shocked next year when their property values increase. Assessment notices go out each April, said Ms. Bentley, and shouldn’t be a surprise.

The commission also introduced Tracy Trovillo Norton who is the new head of the senior center. She began work Monday, and said she is looking forward to helping the center grow and serving more of the aging population in the county.

Commissioners approved re-appointing two members to the Board of Assessors. Ms. Bentley said she advertised, and had one new person interested, but then that person got a full time job in Atlanta, and therefore was no longer interested. Jim Stansell and Karen Breeding will continue to serve.

In other action at Monday’s meeting, commissioners:

•Approved a new noise ordinance.

•Approved three alcohol license renewals—one for Frank’s Restaurant, one for Turtle Cove Property Owners Association, and one for Larry’s Four –Way Stop.

•Tabled action on financing or purchasing outright sheriff’s vehicles.

•Heard from Chief Magistrate-elect Tim Lam that he would like to rescind legislation that makes the Superior Court Clerk also the clerk of Magistrate Court. Commissioners took no action, deciding instead to first hear from Dan Jordan, Clerk of Courts about how he feels on the issue. A mid-month meeting is planned for commissioners to hear from Mr. Jordan.

•Agreed to allow the county manager to seek bids on website design, hosting and content management.

•Approved several budget amendments.

•Agreed to purchase a used trailer to use as a scale house at the landfill. The old scale house burned, and needed replacing. Insurance paid $10,000 for the old one, and the new one will come in for no more than that. The house itself is $6538 but some plumbing and wiring will be required.

•Learned that Chris Finch, the new Emergency Medical Service Director and the county manager have met with the hospital and are working on protocols. In addition, Dr. Wiley Jordan is the new medical director for EMS.

•Got an update from County Manager Mike Benton about roads and bridges.

At the end of the meeting, Charles Forsythe commented that he wasn’t sure the school should get a significant portion of the proceeds from Baxter, as the county had put all the up front money in. The other counties have property in the development, and they will divide revenues along the same lines as the millage rate. However, Jasper is unique with no property in the area. The school and county have not yet negotiated how proceeds will be divided.

Chairman Gene Trammell pointed out that regardless of the division, it would be a savings to Jasper County taxpayers.