Commissioners review budget
By Deborah Bennett

A review of the county's budget as of Dec. 31, 2006 revealed that department heads are functioning within their budgetary guidelines. Scrutiny of county finances came during the Tuesday, Jan. 16, meeting of the Jenkins County Commissioners.

Chairman James Henry called attention to the fact that the office of Jenkins County Tax Commissioner Brenda Mathern had collected approximately $1,637,021 in property taxes. This represented approximately 94 percent of the estimated $1,738,513 appropriated.

Commissioner Henry commended Mathern for her efforts and noted, "We have one of the highest collection rates in the state."

Attention was also called to the fact that operational changes and assumption of additional duties within the Jenkins County Magistrate Court had resulted in a dramatic increase in revenues generated by the office. Court fees collected at the midyear point were listed at $16,185.24. Approximately $19,000 was appropriated for the entire fiscal year.

Magistrate Judge Janice Cheney was commended for her innovative initiatives.

Bill Wasden III asked that the county assume responsibility for maintaining a dirt road in a subdivision that he had developed in past years and offered to deed the road to the county.

County attorney Troy Gay explained that in order to comply with the county's subdivision ordinance, the road must be paved.

"We are obligated to deal with it according to the ordinance, but we will try to be reasonable," chairman Henry said.

After some discussion, the commissioners agreed to work with Wasden to devise a plan of action.

Chairman Henry informed the group of a request from citizens on Taylor Road asking that the county intervene to stop the establishment of a cemetery in the subdivision by Gays Hill Baptist Church.

Upon advisement of attorney Gay, the commissioners determined that there were no legal grounds to do so and declared the matter to be "private."

Following the appointment of committee assignments, it was noted that two volunteers from the community were needed to represent Jenkins County on two regional boards. It was decided to publicize the need through an article in The Millen News.

Other actions taken by the commissioners included the following:

+ approved advertising contract with The Millen News; + approved a motion to re-bid a roof repair project for Jenco;

+ adopted a list of goals for 2007;

+ reviewed auditors' recommendation as presented during audit; and

+ approved the purchase of a new computer for the office of the Jenkins County Tax Commissioner.