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Liberty County adopts higher millage rate
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Property taxes in Liberty County are edging up, after commissioners adopted a slightly higher millage rate for the unincorporated portions of the county.

Commissioners did not change the county millage rate charged to city of Hinesville residents, leaving it at 14.8 mills. For the unincorporated areas of the county, and the other municipalities, the new millage rate is 17.4, an increase from the previous year’s levy of 16.6 mills.

The millage rate for Hinesville is lower because of the overlapping services the city and county provide to services.

Over the last five years, Liberty County’s general fund budget has grown from nearly $30 million to $48 million. Its spending on public safety, which includes fire services and EMS, now under the county’s operation, has gone from $12 million in FY 2020 to more than $24.3 million in the current fiscal year.

County chief financial officer Kim McGlothlin said that is indicative of the commitment commissioners have made to public safety.

“We are standing up a full-time fire fighting service,” she said. “We took over EMS. We expanded (the sheriff ’s office) force significantly as well.”

McGlothlin said that has meant more than 100 new employees and additional expenses for the county.

While the county’s net digest has grown from just over $1.2 billion to $1.54 billion in 10 years, the total exemptions has nearly doubled, from $192 million in 2013 to $381 million in 2022.

Resident Bob Sprinkel said the taxes and increasing property values may force him out of his home eventually.

“I love Liberty County,” he said. “But it’s getting hard.”

Sprinkel, a former assistant county administrator, praised the commissioners for their tasks as stewards of taxpayer money. Rising property values, and rising millage rates, are making it hard on those on fixed incomes, he said.

“I didn’t realize how hard it was when you don’t have anything extra coming in, and you don’t fit into the rich exemptions we have, when our taxes do go up, it makes it difficult,” he said. “When you work hard all your life and you’re able to accumulate a nice house, able to accumulate a decent lifestyle, I can tell you right now, in three to five years, I’m going to have to leave Liberty County. I’m being taxed out of my house. I’ve done the math. I have found a year yet where my property didn’t go up. When your property values go up, your taxes go up and it becomes difficult.”

Sprinkel asked commissioners to urge the Liberty County Board of Education to look at property tax breaks for those 70 and older.

“That could make a huge difference for someone who is truly on a fixed income,” he said.

County department heads also are being asked to curb spending as much as possible. While property taxes are expected to bring in about $24 million, McGlothlin pointed out the county needs $28 million in property tax proceeds. The county is looking at potentially saving about $2 million in one-time expenses and capital purchases that may get postponed.

“We just have to tighten our belt,” Commissioner Eddie Walden said. “We can’t continue on the way we’re going on.”

Sprinkel also asked commissioners to “think outside the box.”

“You’ve got to pay for your ambulances,” he said. “You’ve got to pay for your fire. You’ve got to pay for your police. I’m not saying cut your taxes — the money has to come from somewhere.”

For several years, the county has attempted to maintain a fund balance to allow three to seven months of county operations to proceed without any revenue coming in.

McGlothlin added that Hinesville’s lowered millage and a cut in the school board’s millage will lead to lower property tax bills within the city. A home with a fair market value of $150,000 will pay $51 less in property taxes and a home with a $250,000 fair market value will pay $85 less in property taxes. Outside the city, the property taxes on a $150,000 home are slated to go up $9 and to go up $15 for a $250,000 home.

Chairman Donald Lovette cautioned against comparing millage rates with other counties, since some, such as Chatham County, impose fees for such services as fire protection. Lovette said the county needs to continue to push for further economic development.

“We have focused the last couple of years on public safety, and it was needed,” Commissioner Justin Frasier said. “It’s time for us to hammer out a plan for economic development, like yesterday.”

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Community gets a rare snow day
Snow Day 1

City of Hinesville and Liberty County offices are closed today, and the Liberty County School System is undergoing a day of virtual learning after a winter storm hit southeast Georgia.

Coastal Georgia was inundated with one of the biggest snowfalls in recorded history as forecasters called for 4-6 inches of snow to fall Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Initial reports Wednesday morning indicate at least 2 inches fell on Hinesville.

Sean Hafer and his family took advantage of the quiet roads and still Wednesday morning to enjoy the snow at Bradwell Park. He’s lived in Hinesville for almost 12 years and recalled the snow storm of 2018. But that snow was “not this deep,” he said. “It’s been a while.

“I don’t think many people went to work today,” Hafer said. “You think people would be out in it having fun, but I guess they’re scared to drive in it. It’s fun when you don’t get it around here.”

Hafer said he was curious to see how much snow was going to fall.

“They did well on this,” he said of the meteorologists. “They were accurate. They earned their pay on this one.”

The City of Hinesville declared a state of emergency Tuesday in advance of the storm and residents are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel due to potential severe weather conditions. Melting snow and ice can refreeze overnight, making roads dangerous.

Liberty County offices will remain closed until Friday. Liberty County School System students are having virtual learning Thursday.

Near-record lows tonight could lead to hazardous road conditions through tonight and Thursday morning, especially on secondary roads due to refreezing of melted snow and sleet and black ice with freezing of water puddle.

While daytime highs will be more temperate, overnight lows for the next few days are expected to remain well below freezing. The City of Hinesville encourages residents to drip their faucets overnight, insulate exposed pipes and to let warm air circulate around pipes by opening cabinet doors under sinks, especially those near exterior walls.

Some travel issues could persist Thursday night, with the potential for any remaining snow or slush to refreeze, especially on secondary roads.

The city also is reporting no power outages and all traffic lights are operational. Since most businesses are closed, traffic is minimal and residents are urged not to travel unless necessary.

 

 

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