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Resident raises affordability concerns as Gordon County holds hearing on 9.042 millage rate
Summary
At a September 2024 public hearing, commissioners said they intend to keep the county millage rate at 9.042 mills while resident Kevin Bradshaw warned rising assessments and unchanged homestead exemptions are squeezing fixed-income homeowners.
A Gordon County resident urged commissioners to consider the burden of rising property assessments during a public hearing about the county’s millage rate.
Kevin Bradshaw, who identified himself as living at 128 Chesapeake in Delton, told the board he recently turned 65 and is preparing to live on a fixed income. He said he found the meeting that day while at work and had limited time to prepare, then described a steep increase in assessed values and concerns about exemptions: “The value of what I got in in 2006… my house appraised… 19% more,” Bradshaw said, and later added, “People can't stay and afford these taxes increases.” He referenced age-based homestead-exemption amounts he said were set in 2006 and said he will organize other residents and contact media to press the issue.
County staff framed the hearing as informational and procedural. Mister Leatherman explained the purpose: “Tonight is, to hear from the public, any comments… on our intention to keep the millage rate at 9.042 mills,” and said state rules require advertising the intention as an increase when assessments rise. Leatherman told speakers they would have four minutes to address the board and that commissioners were present to listen rather than answer questions during the hearing.
A commissioner reiterated the board’s current plan: “The board has expressed its intention to leave it at 9.042 mills,” staff said, and Leatherman noted the final millage decision will be set on Sept. 17. Staff invited Bradshaw and other residents to meet with administrative staff for detailed budget and assessment information; officials pointed to the county website for the budget and audit documents.
Why it matters: the hearing highlighted a common tension in local budgets — rising property valuations can increase tax bills for homeowners even when the millage rate stays constant, and age-based exemptions that are not adjusted for inflation can leave fixed-income residents exposed.
What happened next: after public comment, the board closed the hearing by roll call and proceeded with other agenda items. The county plans to set the final millage rate on Sept. 17, per staff comments during the hearing.
Sources and attribution: Direct quotes and summaries in this article are drawn from remarks by Kevin Bradshaw and Mister Leatherman in the Gordon County Board of Commissioners meeting transcript.
