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Long County adopts 18.707 millage rate after three public hearings; county cites $6.9M debt
Summary
Following three public hearings in February, the Long County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a county millage rate of 18.707 for Tax Year 2025, which County Manager Shane Richardson said will generate about $9.6 million in property tax revenue and is needed to cover outstanding debt and maintain services.
After three public hearings in February, the Long County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted the county's Tax Year 2025 millage rate at 18.707 mills and the Long County Board of Education rate at 14.370.
County Manager Shane Richardson presented the fiscal rationale at the hearings, saying the 18.707 millage rate would generate approximately $9.6 million in property tax revenue and that the county has about $6.9 million in outstanding debt, including jail bond payments scheduled through 2047. "2026 is a financial recovery year," Richardson said, describing planned staffing reductions, tighter procurement controls and other cost-saving measures while the county stabilizes finances and aims to rebuild reserves in FY2027.
Members of the public raised concerns about voter and taxpayer impacts: commenters asked whether assessments fairly account for older homes, and several residents warned the millage increase would strain elderly homeowners. Tax Assessor Tara Boatright confirmed that the digest submitted for state approval includes all taxable property categories, including personal property such as vehicles and boats. Richardson said the county will implement an enterprise account for garbage collection revenues to improve tracking and collections and that appeals would require payment of 85% of billed amounts pending review.
At the Feb. 19 session, Commissioner Gerald Blocker moved to adopt the county millage at 18.707; Commissioner John Reddish seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Commissioner James Craft then moved to adopt the Long County Board of Education millage at 14.370; Commissioner Blocker seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
The county manager said the FY2027 budget process would begin in March with workshops in April and a tentative adoption scheduled for June 16. The board adjourned the public hearing after taking the formal votes.
Next steps: The adopted millage rates will be reflected on property tax bills expected in early March; appeals procedures and the FY2027 budget schedule were outlined by county staff.
