County Adopts Increased Millage Rate

In a 2-1 decision, the Stephens County Commission adopts the county millage rate at 14.91 mills and approves the board of education’s recommended millage rate of 17.3 mills at last night’s meeting.

Commissioners Stanley London and Dennis Bell were absent, however, Debbie Whitlock and Michelle Ivester voted in favor of the millage increase while Dean Scarbrough was the opposing vote.

The millage rate is increasing 1.5 mills from the previous year. This is after the 2017 budget was approved, having no new revenues, resulting in a salary increase for county employees and many program cuts.

Prior to adoption of the property tax increase was the third public hearing on the matter. County resident Sue Mullinax addressed the commission, expressing her disagreement with the commission’s decision to increase taxes, specifically after they chose to fund a new bus for the senior center.

“I appreciate what all you try to do, I also appreciate the fact that we are not a wealthy community,” said Mullinax. “Mr. Scarbrough told about the new bus or van we’re paying for for the senior citizens, which I personally think is not a necessity. There are so many of our citizens, I’ll say on a personal basis, my mother is 86-years-old and she’s not worried about going for socialization, she’s worried about paying her water bill and power bill and being able to stay at home.”

She also mentioned the fact that county employees are getting a five percent salary increase, saying that Stephens County isn’t a wealthy community and can’t afford to fund all these budget items.

No one else from the community spoke during the public hearing on the property tax increase.