Camden County public hearing on tentative millage draws broad opposition; commissioners to set rates Oct. 7

Camden County commissioners held a public hearing on a proposed tentative millage increase and heard a range of objections from residents, after a county presentation outlined how higher property tax revenue would be used to fund a new jail, an animal control facility, park maintenance and expanded funding for the Joint Development Authority.

Nancy, a county staff presenter, told the board the tentative countywide millage discussed for 2025 would raise an estimated $3.5 million in additional general-fund reserves and help increase the down payment on a proposed 300-bed jail. She said SPLOST 9 designates $10 million for the jail and that the county expects some excess from SPLOST 8; the county would borrow the remainder, combining the jail and a proposed animal control shelter into a single bond package. Nancy presented the county's estimates that a $35.5 million loan for the combined project at a 20-year term and 5% interest would produce roughly $2.8 million in annual principal and interest payments, versus about $3.1 million annually if the county borrowed $39 million, and that a larger down payment would reduce total interest by roughly $2 million over time. She also said the animal control facility is estimated at about $3 million and would be fully financed if built.

Nancy reviewed other budget details presented to the board: a 10-year property tax digest showing growth in countywide…