Update 2023-08-23: Videos: Danny Weeks, Millage Rate, 3 Alcohol, Animals, Paper Ballots @ LCC Regular 2023-08-22.

The millage rate settings (general and fire district) got the most discussion yesterday morning, as well they should, in the Lowndes County Commission Work Session. Finance Director Stephanie Black was absent because of COVID, so the main millage rate slide show was given by someone else.

Collage @ LCC 21 August 2023

Commissioners Clay Griner and Mark Wisenbaker had some questions, which elicited information about what lower millage rate would meet the county’s budget. Also a mill this year is worth about $4.2 million, while last year it was about $3.2 million. This is because increases in tax assessments as the Tax Assessors catch up.

The County Attorney said something inaudible in there, because he was facing away from his microphone.

Commissioner Mark Wisenbaker asked whether the fire department could get its millage adjusted down. Chairman Bill Slaughter said they were still building. Commissioner Wisenbaker asked when they’re all built, then could we adjust that down? The Chairman that would be something to consider. County Manager Paige Dukes said that staff and other expenses were running higher than expected, but maybe some new items could go into the next SPLOST.

Commissioner Wisenbaker wanted to know what kind of balance the fire department had. Nobody knew, but the Chairman said they could get that that day.

They vote tonight at 5:30 PM.

Before then, you may want to ask your County Commissioner: why is the county fire department still to get twice as much millage as Parks and Rec, and three times as much as the Industrial Authority? Didn’t they already build those fire stations?

There is no public hearing about the millage tonight, so call them now or too late.

There was no explanation why only one of the three beer and wine license applications got a public hearing.

Below are links to each LAKE video of each agenda item, with a few notes by Gretchen Quarterman, followed by a LAKE video playlist.

See also the agenda and board packet.

• 1. Call to Order 5a. Beer and Wine License – The Fish Net
  

  Video.

• 6.a. Beer and Wine License – Little River Groceries – 8235 Ga Hwy. 122 W.n
  

  Video.

• 6.b. Beer and Wine License – JP Foods – 7415 GA Hwy 376, Lake Park, GA
  

  Video.

• 7.c. Adoption of Millage Rate for 2023
  

  Video.

• 7.c. Adoption of Millage Rate for 2023 (part 2)
  

  Video.

• 6.d. Adoption of Fire District Millage Rate for 2023
  

  Video.

• 7.a. Bid for Animal Services Chassis Box
  

  Video.

  It wasn’t clear to me, was the old box going in the trash or was it going to govdeals.com

• 8. Reports – County Manager (none)
  

  Video.

• 10. Meeting Adjournment
  

  Video.

  Even with a presentation and discussion, they still finished in under 20 minutes.

Here’s a LAKE video playlist:

Videos: Millage Rate, 3 Alcohol, Animals @ LCC Work 2023-08-21
Work Session, Lowndes County Commission, Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, Monday, August 21, 2023.
Videos by Gretchen Quarterman for Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange (LAKE).

-jsq

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