SHORT EXPLANATION OF BUDGET AND TAX RATE PROCESS

BUDGET:  The 2021 budget was set in December 2020, and the spending of it began on the first work day of 2021. The budget is a key factor for setting the tax rate later on in August when the digest (total value of all properties in the county) is received from the Assessors office.  The digest shows the BOC  the increase in values from the prior year’s digest.  The revenues for the tax year are estimated as they are unknown at the time the budget is established.  The assumption is that the revenues estimated and digest growth will cover the established budget from last December.

There are two different kinds of digest growth: 1) revalued growth to current market on existing properties and 2) new property/additions that did not exist on the prior digest.  The state law requires the county to roll back the tax rate (MILLAGE) equivalent to the increased values of the revalued properties OR advertise that they are raising taxes.  The Board of Commissioners voted to NOT roll back the millage, thereby increasing taxes 3.92%   I was the only dissenting vote  as the increase REFLECTED an estimated year-end Fund Balance of $30 million.  The Fund Balance is what you have left over after paying for your budget.  I felt we could have easily rolled back the millage and still maintained a healthy Fund Balance, especially after the 27% plus millage increase they passed last year which resulted  in a $21 million Fund Balance at end of 2020.  The other members of the BOC did remove the 1 mill for the Development Authority previously advertised.

Most personal homes (where you reside) should not realize any increase taxes UNLESS they had improvements/additions to it, as our local exemption increases to offset any revalued amount.  Exemptions do not apply to rental or most commercial properties.

THE GEORGIA ELECTION REFORM LAW (Explained  in a 5-Minute Video by Prager University):

https://www.prageru.com/video/the-georgia-reform-law-who-wants-fair-elections/

UPDATE:  Round About @ Hwy 5/Banks Mill/Pool Rd/Dorsett Bridge

I recently received notification from the GDOT Chief Engineer, Meg Pirkle, on what is happening with this intersection.   Here are the key points of her letter:

• This intersection is fully funded through the Federal Safety Program
• The original concept was too broad in scope and exceeded the cost allowed in this program
• New concepts will be presented THIS FALL for public comments
• Right of Way acquisitions should begin in late 2022
• Construction should begin in 2023

I personally want to thank Ms. Annah Cobb for her persistence and determination in keeping this project on the radar of GDOT.  Without her help, I doubt this would be on the horizon.  Thank you Ms. Cobb!

RECYCLING EVENT:

WHAT:                  Electronics of all kinds ($5 fee for any monitor)
                                All metal items
                                Small appliances
                                Exercise Equipment
                                Lawn Equipment
                                Car Parts/Engines/Batteries
WHEN:                  Saturday, OCT 2, FROM 9AM TO 2 PM

WHERE:                FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OVER-FLOW LOT
                                9190 CAMPBELLTON STREET 
                                DOUGLASVILLE, GA 30134

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT CHAN WEEKS AT weeks@douglasville.ga.gov

TAX INCREASE

Citizens in Douglas County were rightfully upset about the 27% plus tax increase.  Although the majority of the Board of Commissioners voted for it WITHOUT MY VOTE, I can say I was so-o-o proud of the number of citizens who became involved and voiced their opposition.