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Council praises storm response, discusses tax assessment concerns and county services
Summary
Council members and the county manager thanked public works, EMS and public-safety staff for storm response; members also addressed constituent concerns about recent property tax assessments and explained the state controls assessments.
Council members used the Jan. 7 meeting to publicly thank Dorchester County public-works and public-safety personnel for their response to a major winter storm and to address resident concerns about rising property tax assessments.
County Manager Jones and multiple council members praised staff who worked during the storm. “They have worked hard. They've worked diligently. They have made our roads safer,” Jones said, recognizing 911, EMS, corrections and sheriff’s office personnel and crews who cleared roads. Councilman Travers described instances where crews enabled ambulances to reach calls and urged appreciation for long emergency shifts.
Airport and facilities staff reported operational status: the airport director said the runway, closed Sunday evening, reopened by 1 p.m. on Jan. 7 and noted neighboring airports remained closed; facilities staff said county buildings were largely cleared. Council members urged residents to check on elderly neighbors during hazardous conditions.
Council members also addressed constituent calls about property tax-assessment increases. One councilor noted the state determines assessed value: “Please understand that the state is the 1 that determines the assessed value of your home, not the county,” she said, and advised residents that an assessment-appeals board exists for those who believe their property is improperly assessed.
The remarks were discussion and appreciation; no formal policy changes or votes on tax rates were recorded in the meeting excerpt.
