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Long County officials outline immediate spending freeze and potential staff cuts, department heads warn of service impacts
Summary
County managers announced a temporary budget freeze and 30-day cost controls; department heads said proposed staffing reductions could halt FEMA road projects, degrade fire and EMS response and jeopardize recreation and animal-control operations.
At a Jan. 20 called meeting County Manager Shane Richardson announced immediate 30-day cost-control measures to address cash-flow pressure, including a freeze on nonessential purchases from Jan. 12 through Feb. 15, elimination of overtime except for first responders, vehicle-use restrictions, and a revised purchase order process. Richardson said the county’s monthly payroll averages about $450,000 and that T-SPLOST funds and a proposed $500,000 intergovernmental loan would be used to meet near-term payroll needs.
Fire Chief Chris Moss told commissioners that proposed staffing reductions would remove all CDL-qualified dump truck drivers in the road department and halt FEMA projects, and that reductions in fire staffing would increase response times and reduce capacity for equipment maintenance. Moss said the fire fee is essential to maintain operations and equipment.
Sheriff Craig Nobles said medical call volume remains high and suggested evaluating alternative response methods, such as using smaller vehicles for some medical calls, to reduce wear and costs; he also offered law-enforcement assistance to fire/EMS where feasible, subject to liability.
Animal Control Director Austin Maynard warned that reducing the department to two full-time employees would significantly impair service delivery and contractual obligations with Fort Stewart; he reported Long County handled 722 animal intakes in 2024 and questioned whether contract reimbursements cover actual costs. Recreation Director Michelle Chambless said cutting staff to two employees would jeopardize youth sports and GRPA-required staffing at championship events, noting parent volunteers cover some operations but cannot satisfy regulatory requirements.
Several department heads urged the board to reconsider across-the-board cuts and asked the county to identify alternative efficiencies. The County Manager directed staff to explore operational savings (waste management, fuel, utilities, vendor oversight) and develop longer-term budget options in forthcoming work sessions and the FY27 planning process.
Next steps: staff will return with more detailed cost-savings estimates, potential revenue options, and a plan for how any staffing changes would be phased to minimize impacts on public safety and contract obligations.
