Heard County commissioners review FY2026‑27 budget, weigh park repairs and public‑defender pay requests

Heard County commissioners convened a work session May 4 in the Commission Chamber to review the proposed fiscal year 2026–27 budget and hear departmental requests.

Recreation Department Director Keaton Knowles told the board the department registered more than 1,300 participants across programs over the past 12 months, with 351 registrations in Fall 2025 and 305 in Spring 2026, and reported $71,550 in registration revenue since January 2026. "We registered more than 1,300 participants across all programs," Knowles said, and commissioners commended recent field‑maintenance improvements including warning tracks and general upkeep.

Knowles described operational and capital concerns that will affect next year’s budget: collapsed underground irrigation wells and pump failures that have reduced water pressure and prompted repairs, a new 150‑gallon fuel tank at the park, and deteriorating sun‑shade awnings that may be replaced with metal structures for longevity. He said the county is evaluating pump replacements using SPLOST funds and that concession revenue is projected to meet the $80,000 budgeted amount.

The board also discussed staffing pressures in the Recreation Department. Knowles said two full‑time positions remain vacant at $12.50 per hour, some volunteer coaches are managing multiple teams, and the department has begun using graduating high‑school seniors to assist younger age groups. He outlined possible program expansions, including volleyball, football, girls flag football, softball tournaments and expanded open‑gym hours.

Chief Public Defender Mary Ellen Simmons presented the Public Defender Office’s budget request and introduced staff assignments, including the return of attorney Bill Gibson and continued use of a juvenile attorney from Carroll County. Simmons requested salary changes that would raise an administrative assistant from $40,000 to $43,000 and add $5,000 to an attorney’s pay; she said the total personnel increase, including taxes and benefits, would be $14,248. Simmons reported the office closes roughly 350 cases annually and warned of extended delays in state hospital placement for mental‑health cases, which she said average about 480 days.

Commissioners asked Simmons for a three‑year caseload report to better understand workload trends. The board discussed a countywide pay‑scale adjustment rather than isolated raises and noted that performance evaluations are being implemented but currently cannot be tied to pay increases until the county adjusts pay scales.

Chief Magistrate Judge Colton Caldwell reviewed several years of caseload data and told the board that recently passed state legislation will raise the Magistrate Court civil jurisdictional limit from $15,000 to $25,000 effective Jan. 1, 2027. "We anticipate increased filings but cannot yet quantify impacts on postage, supplies or workload," Caldwell said. He requested a $3.00 per hour raise for Deputy Clerk Rebecca Scott when she reaches five years of service; Scott currently earns $15.50 per hour.

Finance Director Felicia Adams told commissioners retirement plan participation has increased since the county adopted a one‑year ACCG eligibility rule and that Superior Court costs have risen with more frequent court sessions under Judge Hightower. Adams projected a potential $600,000 revenue shortfall based on current trends but cautioned the county historically spends less than the total budgeted amount and that construction at Plant Wansley or T‑SPLOST approval could materially improve sales‑tax collections.

The board reviewed other departmental items: the library requested an additional part‑time assistant, and the Sheriff’s Office budget was described as stable aside from insurance and inmate medical costs. Commissioners determined the county should not assume POAB and firefighter pension contribution costs due to turnover and long‑term obligations.

The board scheduled the next budget meeting for May 11, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. On a motion by Commissioner Iris Harris, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Mock, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 6:29 p.m.; the work session ended with no formal action taken on the budget.

The board requested follow‑up materials, including a three‑year caseload report from the Public Defender’s Office and any further cost estimates related to irrigation repairs and court workload.