White Co. Homeowners May See Tax Hike in 2017

CLEVELAND, Ga. — White County taxpayers have not seen a millage increase in eight years. In fact, the county commissioners reduced the millage rate from 9.19 to 9.168 mils four years ago. But things might not be so rosy next year year.

At Monday’s commission meeting, County Manager Mike Melton presented a proposed FY ’17 budget that projects revenue could fall about $800,000 short of expenditures.

For several minutes, commissioners wrestled with the unpleasant prospect of raising taxes without having to utter the words. Finally, Chairman Travis Turner said, “This board has busted its rear end year after year — staff, department heads, constitutional officers. We have cut, we cut salaries several years ago, we’ve got positions we didn’t refill. In the last seven years we are the only elected body in this county that has not raised the millage rate at all.”

But ultimately, the Board may have to raise the millage rate, dip into county reserves or do both in order to balance the budget.

Commissioners will discuss the budget again at a June 13 called meeting starting at 8 a.m. and will hold a public hearing June 23.

Commissioners also appointed Todd Marks to the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Octavius Mulligan and Jim Himsteadt to the YMCA Board, David Sills and Mike Mays to the Water Authority and reappointed Nita Decker to the Convention and Visitors’ Bureau.
The Finance Department was recognized for having received a certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting for FY 2015 from the Government Finance Officers Association.

The Board also unanimously approved an agreement with the U.S. Forest Service for patrol of Forest Service roads and campgrounds within White County.