Russell County supervisors adopt lower-than-requested tax rate after hour-long budget hearing; move tax due date to June 13

The Russell County Board of Supervisors voted on motions to set the county—s real-estate tax rate and to move the tax due date after a public hearing and lengthy discussion of mandatory costs including regional jail debt, foster-care (CSA) expenses and transfer-station increases.

The board adopted a tax calculation discussed during the hearing that reduced a previously-projected 63 cents per $100 of assessed value to 48.23 cents per $100; supervisors also voted to move the tax due date to June 13. The board—s actions followed public comment from residents and an extended staff presentation about revenue, restricted funds and contractual obligations.

Why it matters: the chosen tax rate and the timing for collection determine how much homeowners and property owners will pay this year and how much cash the county will have available to meet mandatory payments. County staff and supervisors said inflation, new assessments, regional jail charges and foster-care costs left limited options to reduce the proposed increase.

Board and staff discussion focused on five budget pressures the county identified as unavoidable: regional jail debt, foster-care (CSA) costs, contractual trash and disposal…