Stephenson

THOMASVILLE — Thomas County Commission action at a Tuesday night meeting could make taxpayers happy — if the property tax matter receives a majority vote.

Commissioners will consider a 2017 tentative tax millage rate at a 6 p.m. meeting in third-floor commission chambers at the historic Thomas County Courthouse.

For the fourth consecutive year, Mike Stephenson, county manager, is recommending a reduction in the tax rate.

Millage rates by tax district are pictured to the right.

“Though the reductions each year have been modest, we are moving consistently in the right direction,” Stephenson said.

The county manager said improvements in the county’s financial position resulting in a proposed reduced tax rate are:

• County health benefits and pension plan costs have leveled off.

• All county departments are controlling routine expenses on a regular basis.

• Sales tax revenues are increasing.

• Insurance premium tax revenues are increasing.

“I’m also confident that recent actions taken by the board of commissions will yield similar results in the future,” Stephenson said.

Also, he said, closing the county prison is projected to reduce operating costs in 2018 by an estimated $500,000. 

“The contracting of Emergency Medical Service billing functions with a private provider will result in minimum revenue increase of $500,000 annually,” the county manager said. “The cross-training of firefighters and EMTs will stabilize emergency services personnel costs while increasing service coverage.”

For more information, contact Stephenson at (229) 225-4100.