Dear Editor,

It’s front-page news that the county once again passed its financial audit, and county leaders are proudly celebrating the result. As taxpayers, however, we should remember what a passing audit actually means and what it does not.

A clean audit simply confirms that tax dollars were spent within legal and statutory guidelines and were properly accounted for. It does not address how much money was spent, whether those spending priorities were wise, or whether the county exercised good stewardship of taxpayer funds. As both voters and taxpayers, we should clearly understand that distinction.

For those residents who have expressed dissatisfaction with rising property taxes or county spending, there is a straightforward solution: vote for change.

Over the past seven years, county spending has more than doubled, an increase of over 100 percent, while median household income has risen by less than 35 percent. During that same period, six of the seven county commissioners have been in office for more than 15 years. County spending has increased faster than inflation since at least 2019. We cannot continue doing the same thing and expect different results.

Liberty County now ranks in the top 10 percent statewide for property tax rates. That trend should concern every resident.

Equally troubling is the county board’s limited interest in hearing from voters. Unlike the school board or the Hinesville City Council, the county Board of Commissioners only allows public comment when legally required. Anyone who has attended a meeting knows the board often finds time for less important agenda items than hearing directly from its constituents.

The board needs to see and feel the presence of the voters. Attend meetings. Make your voice heard. Let elected officials know they are being watched and that accountability will come at the ballot box.

Fellow Liberty County residents, it is time for a change in our county government while we can still afford to live here.

Glenn Burch