An overflow, unruly crowd appeared at the 9 a.m. August 30, 2024, public hearing and a Long County Commissioners' meeting this past Friday in Ludowici.  Following some questions on the Long County Comprehensive Plan, which included a request for a hard copy of the plan be made available or either be placed on the county website, the meeting continued as the Commissioners' meeting.

Questions arose from the audience members on the high rise in the proposed millage rate for 2024 for Long County, from 14.738 percent in 2023 to the proposed net county millage rate for 2024 of 18.7070.  This proposed millage rate is on a tax digest of $402,074,613. Long County Commission Chairman Robert Parker, who was under attack on the increase, stated that this increase was needed for the ability to accommodate many who have homestead exemptions on the tax digest as well as new construction, which adds to the delivery of services to the citizens.

Parker explained that the property taxes are about 39 percent of the county's total budget, and the county's total budget is around $18 million.  The budget is also funded by insurance premium taxes, various fees, mobile home taxes, and fines from the Sheriff's Office. One mill generates approximately $400,000.

Constituents questioned why there was a $1.6 million increase in the budget over past years, and why so much more funding is needed than in previous years.  Many counties and cities, since 2020, have been receiving COVID money from the federal and state government, which has allowed many counties to continue the past several years without raising taxes. However, that COVID relief money is now gone, and the services expected by citizens are still there and the cost of delivering services have increased as well with the rise in inflation.

When questioned how the financial picture had changed, Parker commented that another needed motor grader had been purchased, more staff was needed, and the fire department had changed from a part-time to a full-time fire department.

"In the last three years, we have added about 300 new construction homes a year, so we are now delivering services to 1500 new homes," said Parker in response to a query on the new housing, with this constituent stating that a letter had been sent in April 2022 from the Long County Board of Education requesting that no new  housing subdivisions be allowed in the county due to the space problems existing in the school buildings.

Of these 1500 new homes, most are owned or rented by military. It was stated that of the 8905 parcels of property in Long, 174 of these are tax exempt due to 100 percent disabled veteran status, thus another item that affects the tax base.  

One questioned that he heard it was a struggle just to meet payroll for the county now as well as other expenses, and Parker admitted that financially the county needs the increase in property taxes to continue to be solvent and to meet the debts of the county, with $15 million owed on the new Long County Jail.

One citizen admitted that Long County is at a disadvantage since Dept. of the Army, WMA (Wildlife Management Area), U.S. Marine property, and Dept. of Natural Resources account for approximately 45 percent of the approximate 235,000 acres in Long County, with these areas exempt from property taxes.

With the increase in the number of students in Long County schools, several acknowledged that in the future school board taxes will be expected to rise as well.

Long County Sheriff Craig Nobles reported that he could not financially open the new jail and agreed to contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to conduct a forensic audit of the county, which will be at no charge to the county.

Parker was questioned on the County Administrator's job and the need for an Assistant County Administrator as well.   Parker also spends most of his days at the County Office whereas the other commissioners do not.

However, all commissioners vote on any actions taken as a board, and Parker was voted as chairman by his fellow commissioners.

Others voiced that since the developers are making the profits on the new homes, perhaps they should be taking care of their services. However, it is common among most subdivisions that once the county provides the roads, then the county also receives those property taxes that help to provide fire protection, road maintenance, garbage pickup, and water services.  Although impact fees are levied at $3100 per new construction along with building permits, trash pick-up fees, fire protection, and other services for residents, Long County is growing at a rapid pace.

Parker pointed out that many of the overcrowding in the schools came from children attending who live outside the county, and he stated, "Some of you in this room have children and grandchildren who go to Long County schools but do not live in Long County."

One person stated that he was aware of the lack of businesses in Long County that would contribute to the tax base, but he said he had tried to bring in new businesses but was not allowed to purchase the needed property.

In essence, the need for more accountability and transparency was voiced by several. Parker acknowledged that financial statements were prepared monthly and available. He added that in past years very few attended the regular monthly commissioners' meetings, with the exception of Friday's meeting, due to the proposed tax increase.

Others acknowledged that Long County cannot attract a large grocer, such as Publix, because of the Dollar Tree and Dollar General stores already in place.

Parker was asked about the number of fire stations in Long County, and three of the five are manned full time.

Even though there was a "lynching mob" mentality displayed by those attending, including talking over each other, use of profanity to make a point, and general  lack of respect to the county officials, one citizen pointed out that the commissioners all vote as a body and the attacks on Parker were unfair and unwarranted.

"We had to have a jail and we spend the money to provide the services the county needs and wants, but at the end of the day, I am the elected official (before you)," said  Parker, who added that he would hand the gavel over to Vice Chairman Gerald Blocker to continue the meeting.

"Maybe the Board can move on, because of certain people who have obsessively and stalkingly spread lies about me during my entire career," said Parker, possibly referring to an individual at the meeting who has consistently attacked Parker on social media, continuing the attacks in a mean-spirited way on Facebook.

"I have had good intentions, to provide services the citizens of the county need. I have enjoyed my time with the County," said Parker.

Even though he was accused of 'running from a fight,' Parker said he felt he had lost the public's confidence and that maybe all could work together for solutions, and that probably three-fourths of the citizens in the room were blaming him for the financial situation.

Following Parker's departure from the meeting, Vice Chairman Gerald Blocker conducted the meeting, and more questions and suggestions were voiced about various topics. A 6 p.m. meeting was similar in the questions and attacks.

However, at press time on Tuesday, September 3, Robert Parker had not submitted an official letter of resignation as Chairman.