Commissioners struggle with budget crunch
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

The county's budget for fiscal year 2008-2009 which begins July 1 is looking lean and mean. During the Tuesday, June 17, meeting of the Jenkins County Commissioners, chairman James Henry reported that the county's tax digest had been "hard hit" by a state conservation program, Cuva, that allows farm and timber landowners a 10 percent reduction in property taxes if they choose to participate.

"There has been a huge sign-up for the program," Henry commented, noting that the effects would be more drastic for rural communities than urban areas of the state.

The program could reduce the local tax digest by as much as $10 million, which translates into a net loss of $150,000- $200,000 in property taxes, he said. Coupled with recent plant closings and minimal growth in the tax digest, the county could be facing a $360,000 shortfall in the 2008-2009 budget.

While the outlook is grim, it does not mean that landowners will face a tax increase. The commissioners have held several budget workshops in recent weeks to work toward maintaining the 2007-2008 millage rate.

"We can make it, but we are going to have to cut out anything and everything extra," said Henry.

In other business, the commissioners submitted a list of names for possible membership on the Jenkins County Hospital Authority board of directors. The Authority will select three members from the following: Edward Wilson, Bobbye Cobb, Dobbie Gay, Ed Fuller, Mike Lane, Wanda Dwight, Daisy Smith, Charlie Dempsey and F.A. Black.
OTHER ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE COMMISSIONERS:
• Approved a six months extension of the reduction in landfill
tipping fees for Cavalier Home Builders;
• Approved employment of temporary employee for Road Department
through Sept. 30;
• Approved appointment of Harold Moore as member of the
Jenkins County Historical Preservation Commission;
• Approved $2,500 for Jenkins County Memorial Library as a
matching grant for replacement of windows at the facility;
• Approved FEMA resolution to qualify for reimbursement
funds associated with clean-up after May storms and;
• Confirmed acceptance of lawn care bid submitted by R.C.
Lawn Care; and
• Approved purchase of software for Jenkins County Emergency
Medical Services with funds to be included in 2008-
2009 budget.