Proposed 27% millage rate hike enrages Long County residents

LONG COUNTY, Ga (WSAV) — It was standing room only and a crowd outside as Long County leaders and the public discussed a proposed millage rate hike of 27%.

The people of the Long County stood strong together inside Ludowici City Hall to hold their county leaders’ feet to the fire. In a meeting that quickly became heated, the first person who spoke addressed the elephant in the room.

“The drastic [millage rate] increase is going to affect some of our citizens in Long County,” a resident said. “We are not a wealthy county as a whole, and it’s going to affect some drastically.”

This comes after county commissioners proposed a 27% property tax increase, shocking many residents.

According to the county, the possible increase will result in a millage rate of 18.7.

For example, if your home is valued at $100,000 you would see a tax increase of $159. Right now, the tax is 14.7 mills.

“27% tax raise,” said a woman to commissioners. “No ma’am. That will not happen.”

Long County residents have not seen a millage hike since 2008.

“I asked y’all one simple question cause y’all the ones who put the memo out,” a male resident expressed. “Where did this magical number come from, who came up with it, and is that going to get us out this hole we’re in?”

Commissioners had few answers, which caused skepticism.

“We’re breathing as a county because of mismanagement of funds,” a resident said. “I don’t know where it’s coming from. I don’t know where the blame lies. I don’t think it’s a single individual. I think it’s on the entire group. I got some significant concerns about it”

Long County Sheriff Craig Nobles told residents his office has requested an audit to reveal potential wrongdoing.

Long County Commissioners will vote on the proposed millage rate on September 6.