Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Taxes Millage topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pierce County residents push back on proposed 20% millage increase at Nov. 13 hearing
Summary
Residents at a Nov. 13 Pierce County Board of Commissioners hearing in Blackshear urged commissioners to reject a proposed 20% millage increase, citing affordability concerns, questions about vehicle leasing and a proposal to return 911 dispatch to the sheriff to save $600,000. County staff said options are limited.
Pierce County commissioners heard more than half a dozen residents oppose a proposed millage and tax increase at a public hearing on Nov. 13, 2025, in Blackshear.
County Manager Raphel Maddox told the board that Pierce County has not raised taxes in five years and that, "to balance the budget the county must raise taxes or close a service." The board did not take a formal vote on a new rate at the meeting.
Several residents said a large increase would harm households. "20% is too much for this poor community. Raising the millage will put people out of their homes," said Lisa Johnson of 6251 College Ave. When Chairman Neal Bennett asked what she would cut, Johnson said employees first and technology second.
Landlords and other residents warned of secondary effects. Johnathon Coleman of Bristol said he would likely raise rent if property taxes rose, making housing less affordable for tenants.
Speakers pressed the county on specific budget decisions. Blake Edwards of Hacklebarney questioned the practice of leasing county vehicles, asking, "Why does the county lease vehicles and how is this cost effective to the county?" County Manager Maddox said he had met with each department head about budgets and defended leasing as a cost-saving practice, explaining the county trades leased vehicles after set mileage to reduce maintenance costs. Commissioner David Lowman added that the county has the option to purchase a vehicle at the end of a lease.
Terri Thrift of Allen Walker Road urged eliminating duplicated services, arguing that returning 911 dispatching to the Office of the Sheriff would yield savings. "Putting 911 back with the Office of the Sheriff will save $600,000," she said. Maddox disputed the notion that the sheriff sought the change, saying the sheriff "doesn’t want the dispatching back" and instead wants the service to run better.
Several commenters urged tighter budget controls and accountability. Renee Crawford of 205 Glenwood Drive said officials should "tighten the belt," while Curtis Schlessman of Alabaha Woods Drive said he could not support a 20% increase but might accept a 3%–5% raise.
After public comment, Commissioner David Lowman moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m.; Commissioner Troy Mattox seconded the motion and the motion carried.
The board listed the millage discussion on the agenda but did not adopt a new rate at the Nov. 13 meeting; further action would require a future meeting or formal agenda item.
