THOMASVILLE — Recommended 2020 property tax rates being considered by the Thomas County Commission are a reduction for the seventh consecutive year.

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

Tentative millage rates are:

• Incorporated — 8.827

• Unincorporated — 6.937

• Emergency services — 1.708

• Fire District 1 — 3.020

• Fire District 2 — 3.008

• Fire District 3 — 2.329

Property taxes in 2019 generated more than $16.9 million. Anticipated 2020 property tax-generated revenue is $16.8 million.

Stephenson attributed improvements in county government’s financial position to:

• Health benefit costs remaining constant

• County departments controlling expenses on a regular basis

• Sales tax revenues decreasing slightly from 2019, but recovering

• Insurance premium tax revenues increasing

• Privatized ambulance fee collections increasing projections for the second consecutive year

• Overall impact to COVID-19 expenditures and revenues being modest

“I am confident recent actions taken by the board of commissioners will yield similar results in the future,” Stephenson said.

Despite challenges faced because of COVID-19, county government’s financial position is sound, Stephenson said.

Cross-training firefighters and emergency medical technicians is stabilizing emergency services personnel costs while maintaining quality and increasing coverage, he added.

County commissioners will consider final approval of 2020 property tax amounts at a board meeting at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 25, at the Historic Courthouse. 

 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820