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County manager flags audit review, fiber work, and sales‑tax 'freeze' discussion; vehicle buys delayed pending SPLOST
Summary
In an Oct. 28 work session County Manager Thomas Weaver reported Paychex payroll went live, fiber installation is underway with some line strikes, a reading garden was completed using library funds, and an audit issue prompted review of prior audits. Commissioners approved one county vehicle but tabled sheriff and EMA vehicle buys pending SPLOST; Weaver summarized HB 581 (a local sales‑tax 'freeze' option) and possible implications.
County Manager Thomas Weaver used the Oct. 28 work session to update commissioners on several operational and financial items, and commissioners discussed near‑term vehicle purchases in light of uncertain SPLOST funding.
Weaver said the county is live on the Paychex payroll system, and that a library reading garden project was completed using Library Construction funds. He reported that fiber‑installation crews have struck a few water lines; water‑department staff have repaired those lines as the project progresses. He also said the slab for a new radio building has been poured and that public‑works crews received new radios.
Weaver said the county's annual audit with David McCoy "ran into some things he did not like," and that he intends to review prior audits before moving forward with certain budget items. He asked departments to prepare for a midyear budget update.
On fleet purchases the commission approved acquisition of a vehicle for Board of Commissioners use but unanimously tabled two other vehicles — intended for the sheriff's office and EMA — until December while SPLOST results and equipment needs are clarified. Weaver noted the county has been managing a small pool of lease vehicles and is trying to avoid a large number of simultaneous replacements next budget year.
Weaver and Chairman Charles Coffey also discussed a pending state measure described in the meeting as HB 581 or "FLOST," which the manager said would present an opt‑in sales‑tax option with a 2024 taxable‑value freeze and would require local referendum. Weaver said the county could be automatically included unless it opted out and suggested the provision could benefit homesteaded properties. Commissioners asked for more study before any formal commitment.
No formal policy change on SPLOST or FLOST was adopted at the work session; the items were discussed for future consideration and budgeting.
