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Residents press commissioners on revaluation and budget as board chairs request pay increases
Summary
At public budget hearings in August, citizens questioned how the revaluation would be communicated and urged budget restraint, while chairs of the Board of Tax Assessors, Board of Elections and a local judge requested salary increases; commissioners deferred decisions pending detailed budget figures and further review.
During public budget hearings on Aug. 17 and Aug. 31, Appling County residents raised concerns about the property revaluation process, communication to taxpayers and certain budget line items, while several board chairs asked the commissioners to increase pay for elected or appointed board members.
On Aug. 17, Dedra Hewitt questioned several budget line items, including contract road cleanup, 911 road signs, hospital funds, a floating dock and firefighter pay. John Mitchell told the board he had seen budget increases and urged the commissioners to consider spending reductions and to revisit firefighter pay.
At the Aug. 31 hearing, Wayne Canady asked why the county had not discussed freezing the digest and suggested using certificates of deposit to pay revaluation costs rather than raising taxes. He also questioned the planned electricity budget and argued for reconsideration of expenditures.
Several board chairs formally requested pay increases. Roger Branch, chairman of the Board of Tax Assessors, presented a proposal for raises in his department. Rodney Williams, chairman of the Board of Elections, requested increased rates so his board can more reliably reach quorums and be reimbursed for training time; he also asked for an increase for Elections Supervisor Shonda Thornton. Judge Ronnie Lewis requested a salary increase for himself and Associate Judge Andrea Bass. Commissioners received these requests and asked staff to include the proposals in budget drafts for further review; no final action was taken at the hearings.
Separately, the board debated a Sheriff's Office training position requested by Sheriff Melton; after discussion Commissioner Edwards moved to approve the position, Commissioner Leggett seconded, with the motion approved by a majority and one commissioner opposed. The board also moved to increase volunteer firefighter pay (motion approved). Commissioners asked for written estimates showing how requested new positions or pay increases would be offset by savings or other funding sources before finalizing the budget.
Why it matters: Public comment and formal requests for pay increases feed directly into FY2024 deliberations. Commissioners signaled they will consider these proposals but want clearer written savings estimates and budget offsets before committing to additional recurring expenditures.
