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Steve Taylor delivers State of Ben Hill County, cites strong finances and infrastructure work ahead

Ben Hill County Board of Commissioners · March 1, 2026

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Summary

Chairman Steve Taylor told commissioners that Ben Hill County enters 2024 with a balanced budget, significant reserves and a list of 2023 capital and service improvements, while warning of fiscal challenges tied to property values and sales tax receipts.

Chairman Steve Taylor delivered the Ben Hill County State of the County address at the commission's Jan. 2, 2024, meeting, saying "your county government is healthy with a strong financial position" and that officials have presented a balanced 2024 budget.

Taylor told the commission that most county funds come from property taxes, local sales taxes and state and federal grants, and said the county has set aside reserves and fiscal policies to respond to unexpected needs. "We will continue to improve facilities and equipment," he said, listing annual vehicle and information-technology upgrades as examples.

Taylor highlighted several 2023 accomplishments: additional sheriff deputy vehicles to replace older units; upgrades to computers, cameras and IT systems; purchase and renovation of the old Media Center (to house the Extension Service and 4‑H and provide a meeting room); grant-funded improvements at Monitor Center including a playground and upgraded basketball court; an approximately $1 million Community Development Block Grant to pave Flint Road and install a box culvert; progress on Ed Ward Road easements; and passage of local sales tax measures for capital and road improvements. He also noted Dorminy Medical Center's groundbreaking for an emergency department renovation and praised local hospital authority leadership.

Taylor framed ongoing challenges as largely fiscal and structural: the county budget depends on property values, consumer spending that drives sales tax collections, and commodity costs. He encouraged citizen engagement at public meetings and participation in elections and said the commission remains committed to policy-making while delegating management to the county manager.

Taylor closed with a quote attributed to Zig Ziglar about facing fear and expressed gratitude to county staff, elected officials and residents. The address concluded with a thank-you and blessing for the community.

The commission accepted the report as part of the Jan. 2 meeting record; no vote on policy changes was recorded during the address.