The turnout for a public hearing to discuss the proposed 20062007 budget for Jenkins County created little interest Friday, July 21, with only the Jenkins County Commissioners, county administrator Carol Cates, attorney Troy Gay, Jenkins County Sheriff Tim Fields and Jenkins County Coroner Henry Young in attendance. The hearing took place in the Jenkins County Courtroom at the Jenkins County Courthouse.

The fact that the proposed budget of $5,128,092 was not expected to create a tax increase was credited with the meager turnout.

Commission chairman James Henry explained that while the new budget figure is approximately $1 million more than the last year's $4,124,303 budget, the major part of the increase was due to a $631,000 federal grant for the Jenkins County Airport. The remainder of revenues would come from fees and fines with an increase in tax revenues predicted to be only $40,000.

Highlights of the 2006-2007 budget include $300,000 for the Jenkins County Hospital Authority; a $120,000 increase in the Road Department due to increased fuel costs and salary increases; a $64,000 increase in the Sheriff's Department to allow for employment of additional officers; a $57,000 increase in the Ambulance Service Department to allow for operating expenses; A $16,000 increase in the landfill for tipping fees and fuel expenses; and a $16,000 increase in the Senior Citizens Center budget to allow for the fact that the center is serving more meals.

Total taxes levied for the 20062007 years are expected to be $2,398,513. Last year's figure was $2,358,513. The increase comes from growth in the tax digest.

Chairman Henry also noted that the county has been able to reduce cost overruns, build up a surplus and pay off its long-term debt. He praised the cooperation of county department heads for their cooperation in maintaining their departmental budgets, thereby assisting the county in its accomplishments.

It was also noted that the county has revised its salary schedule with most county employees receiving increases in pay.

"We're still trying to correct some imbalances prior to adopting the salary schedule," said Henry.

Following the budget hearing, the commissioners convened in the conference room for a called meeting.

Actions taken at this time included the following:

Tabled action on a van driver position until the job vacancy can be publicized in The Millen News;

Approved the purchase of a truck from Transpower in the amount of $81,813, pending method of payment negotiations;

Reported that county workers will perform work at the new industrial park with the Jenkins County Development Authority to pay workers and purchase fuel; and

Reported that Eagle Construction will honor its original contract with the county and work will soon begin.