No Opposition to Millage Rate Increase

The  had a second public hearing tonight on a proposed millage rate increase.

But the hearing didn't get very far because no residents signed up to speak.

The commissioners have said they will advertise a millage increase of up to 15 percent, which would in turn increase by $49 a year the amount paid by someone living in an average-priced home of $169,000 value.

But that is the most it would be. It will probably run around $30 a year more in taxes for a resident living in an average priced house.

This is all in anticipation of a $3.4 million shortfall in the 2012 budget due to a reduction in property values during recent years. The number started at $5 million and the county has found ways to whittle it down.

6:07 p.m. Still waiting on the commissioners to come in.

6:09 They are here. Having a prayer by Chairman Buzz Ahrens. Plus the pledge. Commissioner Karen Bosch and Jim Hubbard are absent.

6:12 Sheriff Roger Garrison is recognizing the Cherokee County Marshal’s Office for obtaining state re-certification and is presenting a plaque awarded by the Georgia Association Chiefs of Police.

6:15 Under announcements:

The board congratulates Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management Deputy Director Renee Cornelison for obtaining the Certified Emergency Managers®(CEM®) credential. Deputy Director Cornelison’s approval for this designation makes Cherokee County the only emergency management program in Georgia with both the Director and Deputy Director holding the CEM credential.

Congratulations to the Twin Creeks Express for bringing home the        Georgia ASA 8 & Under All Stars State Championship held July 1 and 2 at Central Park in Forsyth County. The Express went undefeated    throughout the tournament winning the Championship Game 18-3. This is the seventh state championship for Cherokee Youth Softball teams in seven years of softball at Twin Creeks Softball Complex. The Twin Creeks Twins were State Runner-Ups in the 12 & Under division.

6:19 Public hearing opens with County Manager Jerry Cooper saying there will be two more public hearings, on July 28 and Aug. 2, both at 6 p.m. in the board room.

Cooper goes over some statistics. County has the lowest general millage rate in the state at 4.720.

The County didn't compensate-by raising taxes-for property values that began to decline in 2009. "That's why we are where we are," said Commissioner Harry Johnston.

6:28 Cooper says the county started with a $5 million shortfall, but has used various means to whittle that down to $3.3 million-by selling property, using the jail fund, using pension credit and not filling vacant positions along with other measures.

6:32 During the past three years, property values in the county have declined by $1.4 billion.

6:35 In the last year, the county departments have really stepped up to the plate by slashing their budgets, Cooper said.

6:36 Open to the public to speak. Not one person signed up to speak. Hearing closed.

6:38 Board appoints Mark Webb to fill the unexpired term of Becky Brown on the Board of Ethics.

6:48 Board postpones vote on a one-time voluntary incentivized retirement plan for county employees.

6:50 Board approves consent agenda.

6:52 Board approves a preliminary agreement with Georgia Tax and Regulatory Solutions, LLC (GTRS) to look at possible missed revenue with cell towers and billboards that are under-taxed or even ones the county doesn't know exist.

6:55 Board awards American Environment & Infrastructure, Inc.(AMEC E&I) an agreement to provide master planning, design & engineering, and bid/award and construction administration services for park improvement projects in Nelson, Ball Ground and Waleska, and the County’s Waleska Park for $75,646.

6:59 Board approves amended annual action plan of CDBG.

7:00 Board approves transfer of funds to increase revenues and expenses for adding Cherokee County Youth Basketball to the athletic program for CRPA.

7:02 Board approves an increase to the contingency account for the Hobgood Park Improvements and Additions construction project in the amount of $50,000.

7:03 Board approves a change order to the PSA (Professional Services Agreement) with Cooper Carry for additional services and compensation in the total amount of $43,000 for the Aquatic Center.

And we are adjourned.