County commissioners hold budget hearing
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

The first of three public hearings held by the Jenkins County Commissioners for the purpose of discussing its 2007-2008 budget and proposed millage rate drew a sparse crowd to the courtroom of the Jenkins County Courthouse Thursday, Nov. 1.

Due to an increase in property values brought about by a staterequired property re-evaluation, the commissioners are proposing to rollback the county's mill- age rate to 10.55 mils for fiscal year 2007-2008. The rate for the previous year was 15.75 mils.

The rollback millage rate is expected to increase the local taxes collected by the county only $37 over the amount collected the previous year.

"The Jenkins County Commissioners have attempted to keep the tax level at the same level as it was last year," said chairman James Henry as he opened the meeting.

"We have tried to cut our budget as much as possible in order to not have increases," he continued.

The property re-evaluation, he explained, was necessary to bring local property values in line with what property is selling for locally.

The additional hearings will be held 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, at the Jenkins County Courthouse with a called meeting being held 8 p.m. to officially set the millage rate.