County O.K.s Special Tax

The Jasper County Commissioners held a public hearing Monday night on having a flat fee to fund a new ambulance station in the north end of the county, as opposed to using a millage rate to fund the expansion.

The Commission originally had suggested taking the money typically allocated for Jasper Memorial Hospital and using that to fund a new ambulance station. However, the hospital, and its many supporters persuaded the commission not to take that money away. Therefore there was still a need for funds for a new station. At this time, the fiscal year 2025 budget had basically been set.

So, the commission saw using a flat fee to fund the expansion may be the way to go, and several commissioners expressed their opinion that it would be more fair. Basically, if it’s on the millage rate, those who have higher value properties pay more, while those in conservation and lower income properties pay less. With the flat fee every parcel is billed the same amount. For the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) expansion, that equates to $51.14 additional that each parcel in the county will be billed.

In addition, the commissioners voted to undo their previous action of approving a 0.571 mill rate for the hospital and changed that to a flat fee also, meaning every parcel in the county will be billed $43.94 to fund the hospital.

Several people spoke in favor of the flat fee for EMS, while Jim Belcher pointed out to commissioners that by doing the flat fee they put a heavier burden on the lower-income residents. For example, someone living in a $100,000 property now will pay $51.14 for EMS, whereas if it was billed through the millage rate, their additional tax would be $22.40. Those with a $500,000 property now will also pay $51.14 for the expansion, whereas through ad valorem taxes (millage rate) they would have paid $134.40.

Mr. Belcher also questioned the commissioners taking the action on the hospital as it was not on the agenda. Mary Patrick spoke first, saying that the budget at the end of May showed revenue projections some $482,000 over expenditures, and asked where that money went. She said she’d rather it was funded in the regular budget, finding cuts where necessary, but if it was going to be a supplemental add-on, she prefers the flat fee.

Jason Bunn also said he is not in favor of any tax raises, but that a flat tax is better than on the millage if it is necessary. He asked if they are looking at other ways to get the funding. Chris Lawrence echoed his remarks, and complained that the animal shelter was not getting the attention it is due. He also said that “we don’t need another tax,” and suggested the commissioners should have come to the Republican meetings and said they were in favor of higher taxes.

Stephanie Puckett asked would this be a forever thing, and commissioners said it would renew annually.

Commissioner Don Jernigan said that according to the census 12.9 percent of the population of Jasper County lives in poverty, and says it puts a burden on those individuals.

Commissioner Asher Gray said to spread the love among all property owners…everyone pay their fair share. Commissioner Steven Ledford made the motion to make it a flat fee, and Commissioner Gray seconded it. The vote was 4-1 with Commissioner Jernigan dissenting. Commissioner Gray, when he seconded commented that he wished they had budgeted for it, and hopes the budget can absorb the expense next year.

The same pair made the motion and second to dissolve the millage rate action they had taken previously for the hospital and make it a flat fee. It passed unanimously.

During citizen comments, Mark Logan applauded the commissioners for approving a third ambulance, but said that whether they take money from his front pocket or back pocket, it was still costing him. He said he was against funding the hospital unless they “break up that shell of the hospital Retreat and doctors’ offices.” He said you don’t know where the money is going. He said his property tax has doubled in the last five years, and that he hopes the commission will be more prudent next year and do essentials first, then things like the hospital, recreation and senior center.

David Thompson said he lives in the city but pays county taxes like everyone else. He encouraged the commission to be inclusive of city residents. He mentioned all the county services he helps fund, and pointed out there are no parks in the county, so county residents likely use parks in the city.

Mary Patrick spoke about the 911 board and told commissioners to quit dragging their feet, that something needs to be done and done now. She said you need a board with fortitude, and mentioned a litany of concerns at the center.

Pat Will said you know what happened to the Joint Development Authority (JDA) representative from Newton County. He said the commissioners besides reviewing the annual budget should get a end of year report from the JDA.

Stephanie Puckett said she was building a barn on property that doesn’t have an address. She said she asked at the County Commission office to get an address, and they said she could not have one unless she has a residence. She asked how does 911 respond if she hurts herself at the property.

Jason Bunn asked when are we going to rein in the hospital and other agencies. He told commissioners to look at the hospital budget.

Cathy Benson asked why the county gives money to any non-profit.

Jim Belcher said thank you for increasing the burden on poor people. He also said that they were making it so expensive to live here it’s not good. The county needs to be diverse and compassionate.

Another topic that garnered much discussion among commissioners was the 911 authoirty board. It currently is an 11 member board and there are two vacancies. The county wants to change it to a five or seven member board. Chairman Bruce Henry pointed out that if it’s a seven member board, then four would make a quorum, and they could have tie votes.

Sabrina Westbrook, who serves on the board, said that she had talked with Shady Dale officials and they want to continue to have a say in who is on the board. Commissioners had not met with city of Monticello officials, although different commissioners had spoken with council members, who did not have a consensus if they still want a sayso.

Commissioners seemed to be leaning to changing it to a five-member board, but with the fire chief and sheriff automatically on the board there would be few to name.

Commissioner Gray asked why the cities didn’t help fund it and was informed during either Local Option Sales Tax or Service Delivery negotiations many years ago, it fell on the county to provide all necessary funding. The center gets fees from telephones, but those fees don’t cover the cost of the service.

They discussed the county taking over the service, and making it a department of the county, but learned that there are people vested in the retirement program and people drawing their pension, and that money would be lost if the board were totally disbanded. Also, there are concerns about insurance being different.

They then discussed issues that have been raised, such as operators aren’t allowed to talk to board members or risk being fired. Operators say they have come to work and there’s no toilet paper in the building. Commissioner Ledford said the restructuring needs to be done and the problems addressed, as it is out of control.

After much discussion, commissioners agreed to try to schedule a work session with the cities, and try to iron it out. However, that meeting will not be until at least July 29, as that’s the first time the commissioners could coordinate their schedules. Now, the cities’ council members have to look at their schedules, although commissioners agreed not every member of every agency needs to be there.

Commissioners agreed to put out to bid grading and paving of the Jasper County Senior Center. They were hoping to get it done for a good price while paving at the jail was being done. That didn’t happen, and their quote was higher than they liked.

Commissioners adopted a lower fire district fee for those areas served with fire hydrants through the Jasper County Water & Sewer Authority. For the last 10 years those properties have been assessed $28.63 a year for that privilege. A loan has been repaid, so that fee is going to drop to $20.50 per property.

Commissioners agreed to give a three percent flat rate raise to county employees, while lamenting the fact they can’t do more. Commissioner Gray said that doesn’t even keep up with inflation. The way it will work is three percent will be added to payroll, all persons will get flat fee, which works out to $0.72 per hour for all employees which equates to $1,480 a year.

The commissioners have a called meeting and work session scheduled for Friday, July 12, at 9 a.m.

County Manager Mike Benton said that the jail renovation and expansion is nearing completion, and that a ribbon cutting will be set in early August. He also reported that damage to the animal shelter from a storm is being repaired, and repairs are almost complete. He also reported that the Georgia Department of Transportation will pay 70 percent of the re-surfacing of the paved portion of Murder Creek Church Road.