Hiawassee accepts rollback on 2021 millage rate in 3 to 2 vote
News September 8, 2021HIAWASSEE, Ga – Hiawassee City Council moved to accept the rollback on the 2021 millage rate at 1.977 mills in a three to two vote.
Councilmembers Anne Mitchell and Patsy Owens opposed the lowering of the millage rate.
“We’re gonna get to the point where we don’t have any money coming into the city,” Owens stated. “Then what are we going to do? Have a cakewalk?”
Mayor Liz Ordiales added she thought Hiawassee lost its chance to bring more money into the city in 2017 when Hiawassee picked up $5 million in unaccounted-for funds. It set the city back financially.
Maintaining the current millage rate only adds $8,000 to the property tax collections. The current rate is 2.067 mills. It’s continued to steadily decline since 2017, dropping from 2.258 mills over time. The gross digest climbs year over year, however.
Mitchell agreed with that assessment but stated that they’re “no reason” for Hiawassee’s taxes to be that low.
LOST collections account for a large portion of funds for Hiawassee. Without visitors in the community contributing to LOST, the millage rate would be significantly higher. Last year, $250,689 came from LOST.
Hiawassee collected more in LOST and alcohol tax than in property taxes last year.
The public hearing for the 2021 millage rate will be on September 27, prior to the work session. The second reading and acceptance will be on October 5.
Hiawassee collects its property taxes, not the tax commissioner. The city decided to move the collections in-house to save money.
2020 millage rate set, update on county projects
News October 28, 2020HIAWASSEE, Ga – Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw accepted the rollback for the 2020 millage rate during the October meeting.
The millage for the county portion is now set at 5.003 mills.
To reach the 5.003 mills, the county determined 6.918 mills or revenue were needed for maintenance and operation of county government and then subtracted 1.915 mills from the anticipated one percent local option sales tax. 0.000 mills were needed for a county bond. Also, .456 mills levied for the fire department.
The Towns County Board of Education passed their millage rate on October 5, 2020. 9.74 mills needed for revenue and operation of schools. 0.00 mills levied for the school bond. The board then subtracted 2.394 mills from anticipated local option sales tax. For a total of 7.346 net mills levied for the school.
To Bradshaw’s knowledge, taxes in Towns County haven’t been raised since 2008.
“With the increase in sales taxes, home selling, and the economy is doing pretty good considering COVID. We are not going to raise your taxes. We’re going to accept the rollback from the state. Everything will be pretty much as is. We feel confident that we have the money and income to meet all the needs,” Bradshaw explained.
According to Bradshaw, the county is in good shape financially and sales taxes in 2020 are up. In 2019, sales taxes were $1.1 million through September, and in 2020, it’s $1.2 million.
Part of the reason for the increase is a statewide audit of businesses found misappropriation of funds. As a result, Towns County will see an increase of $93,811.
Bradshaw also believes the increase is COVID-19 related. People are choosing to take short trips out of town over flying and visiting larger tourist destinations.
Two new accounts were opened due to interest rates being extremely low. The money market account moved to South State Bank with an interest rate of .50 percent while United Community Bank had a .1 percent interest. A second account was opened for SPLOST funds at South State Bank.
County Projects
The new fire station in Young Harris will hopefully be opened soon as they are currently moving into the space. For now, the parking lot will be gravel, but sometime in late spring or summer of 2021, the lot will be poured. It will also feature a concrete helicopter landing pad. The delay in pouring concrete will also give the ground time to settle.
“They don’t have to come all the way over [Young Harris] mountain,” Bradshaw said about the helicopter pad.
Detainee labor performed the majority of labor on the project, saving the taxpayers money. The building is mostly complete, but a few indoor additions still need to be made.
The new SPLOST-funded courthouse designs are still with the architects to achieve full use of the space. The building will be brought up to fire code with an addition, offices, new courtrooms, and inmate holding cells.
Two new battery-operated stretchers were also purchased for Towns County. The stretchers will prevent EMTS from bending down as much and hopefully lessen back issues.
Mayor Ordiales: Not a tax increase, an increase in city revenue
News, Politics September 4, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee City Council held the first of three mandatory public hearings this morning in order to lawfully reject a property tax rollback rate of 2.170 mills. A second hearing is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at City Hall.
Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales, and Council members Anne Mitchell, Kris Berrong, Amy Barrett, and Nancy Noblet attended the hearing. Councilwoman Patsy Owens is expected to attend the afternoon forum.
While public turn-out was extremely scarce, the two citizens in attendance objected to the rollback denial. Both residents noted the BRMEMC Franchise Fee which was adopted by the city of Hiawassee earlier this year, as a reason why they oppose what will result in a tax increase for local property owners. Concern for those on fixed incomes was cited, as well as the fact that Hiawassee would be the only entity in Towns County to reject a lower rollback rate.
Mayor Ordiales stood solid ground in her push for maintaining the current rate of 2.258 mills, stating that the cost of city operations warrant rejection of the rollback. Ordiales noted $4.5 million in debt that the city “inheritited” from past administrations, in which $390,000 is due in annual repayment, and added that there has been no rate increase to water or sewer charges in five years. The cost of utilities that the city requires, the funding of the police department, and general expenses were mentioned, in addition to three-percent cost of living raise increases for city staff. Maintaining the current tax rate will draw approximately $7,000 in additional revenue. Ordiales stated that the 52 city property owners which had flown under the tax radar increased the digest by $5.3 million in assessed value.
“It’s not a tax increase,” Mayor Ordiales claimed, “It’s an increase of revenue to the city.”
Council members Amy Barrett, Nancy Noblet, and Kris Berrong voiced that they have received public objection to the rollback rejection, and challenged Ordiales’ position. Barrett and Noblet suggested other ways of raising the city’s revenue, such as requiring a fee for non-residents to partake in newly-constructed Mayors’ Park.
Councilwoman Anne Mitchell favored the mayor’s proposal, stating, “2.258 is a painless way to increase a little bit.”
“This is not a tax increase. We’re leaving it the same, and clearly no one has a problem with it or else there would be 500 people here, jumping up and down,” Ordiales reasoned.
Due to the fact that property value assestments have risen, maintaining the current rate of 2.258 mills will result in higher property taxes for Hiawassee property owners, a point that was raised by those questioning Ordiales’s proposal. When a citizen reminded that the rejection of the rollback rate must be advertised, per law, as a property tax increase due to the fact that it amounts to such, Ordiales replied, “It’s a terrible law. It was written in 1980.”
If the millage rollback is indeed rejected by Hiawassee City Council, it will mark the first year in approximately two decades that it has been denied.
The final public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 6 p.m. The millage rate will be set at 6:30 p.m.
FYN will report on today’s second hearing once it has taken place.
A previous article on the Hiawassee millage rate is available.
Hiawassee on track to reject rollback tax rate, maintain current millage
News, Politics August 17, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Despite higher property assessments, Hiawassee seems to be on track to reject a 2018 rollback millage of 2.170, in favor of retaining the current rate of 2.258.
Hiawassee City Council held a called-meeting on the evening of Aug. 16, to discuss the matter.
In compliance with state law, three public hearings are scheduled to take place; two on Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and a third at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 6, at Hiawassee City Hall.
CORRECTION: The dates have been changed to Tuesday, Sept. 4, with one held at 10 am, and a second at 2 pm.
The third meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 6 pm, with the tax rate set at 6:30 pm.
According to presented calculations, retaining the current 2.258 rate would supply the city of Hiawassee with an additional $7,080 in revenue. While the amount is a drop in the bucket compared to the city’s $4.1 million budget, Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales explained to council members at Thursday’s meeting that the increased revenue could, for example, be applied to the continuing construction taking place at Mayors’ Park.
In addition, Ordiales reminded the council of the 52 parcel owners who had previously slipped below the city’s radar, and have since been billed for delinquent property taxes.
Councilwoman Amy Barrett was the most vocal of the elected officials on Aug. 16, however, raising a valid point that should the current millage rate remain fixed, taxes will, in fact, increase due to heightened property values.
Barrett firmly stated a desire to delay decision until taxpayers are afforded an ample opportunity to offer input.
Councilwoman Anne Mitchell contributed to the dialogue, claiming that as councilmembers, the duty is to act as policymakers, adding, “(The millage rate) is not the citizens decision to make.”
During the meeting, Mayor Ordiales displayed a PowerPoint chart, comparing the millage of Hiawassee to that of surrounding cities. According to the graphic, only Blairsville was listed as lower, at 1.945 mills. The fact that Blairsville boasts an airport was reasoned for the lesser tax rate.
Councilmembers Patsy Owens and Kris Berrong did not offer clear insight into their positions, although Owens chimed in that maintaining the current rate shouldn’t be considered an increase. Councilwoman Nancy Noblet seemingly shared agreement with Barrett’s opposing stance, occasionally nodding in approval as Barrett spoke.
Of note, Towns County Commission and Towns County Board of Education recently announced a decision to accept their millage rollbacks, with both divisions citing increased property values as the logic behind the drop. The departments have scheduled special called-meetings for next week to finalize the matter.
Public turnout was low at the city’s budget meeting in comparison to monthly work sessions, although several in attendance voiced rejection to the rollback, favoring the current tax rate.
An outspoken newcomer, who was publicly noted as such by Barrett and Noblet, announced that he “does this as a living,” and asserted that he felt it would be “absolutely reckless to even think about rolling back that millage rate,” concluding that property values could potentially decrease in the future, leaving the city with a need to raise taxes in years to come.
Barrett and Noblet responded with recollection of the discord which surrounded the Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation (BRMEMC) franchise “fee” which was repealed late last year, upon opposition from taxpayers, yet readopted by current council once Ordiales replaced it on the agenda, adding bulk to the stance of welcoming a broader range of citizen feedback.
A softer-spoken citizen suggested that accepting the lower rollback rate might be perceived by the public as an attempt to gain “good press” in favor of taking the seven thousand dollar loss. Barrett objected to the notion, adding during the meeting that what might seem like a slight tax hike now has the potential to ultimately expand to a greater increase over time.
In sum, the city of Hiawassee unanomosly agreed to advertise the non-rollback millage of 2.258, and await public opinion at the early September hearings.
Hiawassee City Council will convene for their monthly work session on Aug. 27, at 6 pm, at City Hall. General questions and concerns from the public are traditionally addressed at the meetings.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. – For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
Board of Education proposes annual millage rate
News August 1, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Board of Education proposed a rollback millage rate of 7.671 percent during a special-called meeting on the morning of Tuesday, July 31. An additional meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 23, for Board’s final approval. The session will take place at 7:30 a.m. at the Board of Education office at 67 Lakeview circle in Hiawassee.
Towns County Superintendent Darren Berrong credits a steady increase in real estate values for the rollback, which was set at 7.956 percent in 2017. Real and Personal Property values in Towns County rose from over $731 million in 2013 to nearly $806 million in 2018.
“(The millage rate) is not a reduction in revenue for us, however,” Berrong stated, “It’s actually an increase of revenue of $40,000 which isn’t a significant increase for an individual taxpayer.” Berrong recommended acceptance to advertise the rollback rate, with the Board unanimously approving the motion.
View: 2018 Tax Digest – 5 year History
In addition, Towns County Board of Education approved the recommendation of Substitute Teacher Patricia “Trish” Cook, and Community Coach Tyler Crawford during Tuesday’s meeting.
Dr. Berrong stated that campus renovation is proceeding on schedule, with classes resuming on Aug. 16. Berrong said he has not received negative feedback from the community on the Board’s recent discussion on arming school personsell. Berrong says he plans to seek additional input from the community at an upcoming Lions Club meeting. The superindendent made mention of the third table-top emergency responder forum on school safety, scheduled for Aug. 6, disclosing that the school safety plan implemented must first be “approved by all emergency personell.” Detailed information concerning the plan will not be made available to the general public due to the safety-sensitive nature of the issue. As previously reported, the Board approved the hiring of a second school resourse officer to increase the safety level at Towns County Schools.
Towns County Board of Education will meet for their monthly work session at 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 6, at the administrative office. Meetings are open to the public.
(Feature Image: Superintendent Darren Berrong (left) with Board member Robert Williams at Tuesday’s meeting)
Commissioner Bradshaw set to rollback millage rate
News, Politics August 13, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw announced an upcoming special-called meeting, scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 23, at 5:30 pm, at the Towns County Courthouse, to set the annual millage rate.
The rate will rollback from 5.375 to 5.197 mills, amounting to $3,919,757 in county revenue.
“My goal is to keep property taxes as low as possible without jeopardizing the services that the county offers, especially public safety,” Bradshaw told FYN, “I feel at this time, with the improving economy and property values, we will be able to maintain the county services that we are accustom to.”
In local government terminology, a millage rate is synonymous with the property tax rate. The term “millage” is derived from a Latin word which means “thousandth.”
Therefore, 1 mill is equivalent to 1/1000th.
Applied to taxes, 1 mill is equivalent to $1.00 in taxes per $1,000 in property value. If property has a taxable value of $100,000, and assessed at a 1 mill tax rate, the property owner would be required to pay $100.00 in annual taxes.
The standard way to calculate the tax bill, based on the millage rate, is to take the set rate, multiply it by the taxable value of the property, dividing the result by 1,000.
An independent mill rate for Towns County Fire and Rescue, which has been set at 0.500 mill in past years, is expected to decrease to 0.483, resulting in a comparable amount of $364,295 collected during the previous year.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. – For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
City of Hiawassee reschedules property tax hike hearings
News, Politics August 22, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – FetchYourNews (FYN) has learned that the previously selected dates of three mandatory public hearings, necessary in order for Hiawassee City Council to lawfully reject the millage rollback rate, have changed.
Hiawassee City Council held a called-meeting Aug. 16, in which that matter was discussed, and the dates were selected.
FYN has since inadvertently discovered that two public hearings will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 4, at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and a third on Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 6:00 p.m.
Georgia law requires that the public hearings are spaced seven days apart, rather than held on consecutive days.
The city of Hiawassee is on track to reject the property tax rollback of 2.170, in favor of maintaining the current rate of 2.258 mills, despite heightened property value assessments.
Coverage of the Aug. 16 called-meeting is available.
Hiawassee City Council will hold their regular monthly work session on Monday, Aug. 27, at 6:00 p.m.
Meetings take place at Hiawassee City Hall, and are open to the public.
Heightened emotion at second Hiawassee tax increase hearing
News, Politics September 4, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee City Council held the second of three mandatory public hearings on the afternoon of Tuesday, Sept. 4, to alllow taxpayers to shed their thoughts on the rejection of the tax rate rollback.
FYN reported the first hearing which took place on the morning of Sept. 4.
Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales, and the full council were in attendance.
Four citizens were present at the hearing, all of whom offered objection to what will amount to an increased cost for property owners, should the rollback millage be denied.
“Is it worth the peasants paying for the castle?,” asked one passionate taxpayer, adding that she was displeased when the controversial BRMEMC Franchise Tax/Fee was adopted by the city of Hiawassee.
As in the prior hearings, on the current matter and the past franchise, concern was raised for those in the community who may be economically challenged.
“It is my strong public opinion that we should rollback to 2.170,” voiced another resident, stating that it is the consensus of those he has spoken with within the community.
One citizen presented opposition via a typed letter, handed to the mayor and council.
Concerns that taxpayer money may not be wisely applied was the prevalent message sounded at Hiawassee City Hall. Mayors’ Park was noted by Council members Nancy Noblet and Amy Barrett, as well as citizens, as being a source of mismanaged spending.
Noblet stated that she has not yet reached a decision on the millage rate, and will do so at the final hearing.
A resident reminded Councilwoman Anne Mitchell that she had previously relayed that there was no urgent need for increased city revenue, questioning the decision to support what will amount to higher taxation. Mitchell stated at today’s hearing that the sewer plant is of utmost concern.
Mayor Ordiales maintained that it is not tax increase, as the millage rate is set to remain fixed at the 2017 rate of 2.258 mills. State law requires that if the rollback rate is rejected, the proposal must be advertised as an increase to avoid backdoor taxation by government officials.
Residents noted the positive changes Ordiales has made since taking office, such as paying down loans inherited from a former administration, and the addition of sidewalks within the city.
Appreciation and gratitude for Hiawassee Police Department was expressed.
Ordiales cited duplicate reasoning for rejecting the rollback rate during the second hearing as was stated thoughout the first, with the exception of heavily emphasizing the need for adequately funding the police department during the latter forum.
The notion that taxpayer funds would be directly applied to the city’s law enforcement agency noticably softened tones and tension in the council chambers.
Councilwoman Patsy Owens seemingly favored rollback rejection, saying that city roads need repaved.
Councilwoman Amy Barrett made mention of the new flooring installed in City Hall, asking if it was a “necessity or nicity” of taxpayer money well-spent, adding that prioritized spending is of importance.
A one-sided verbal altercation occurred between Council member Anne Mitchell and Amy Barrett moments before the hearing was called to order, with Mitchell claiming that Barrett habitually addresses the elder councilwoman in a condesending manner. Mitchell was angered that FYN was recording the incident, turning off the media audio device, and placing it elsewhere on the council bench. Mitchell publicly announced that she does not wish to be recorded outside of session.
A final public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 6 p.m. The milliage rate will be set immediately thereafter at 6:30 p.m.
Hiawassee City Council convenes for their regular monthy work session this evening, Sept. 4, at 6 p.m.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. – For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
Hiawassee City Council: Special Called Meeting, 7/18/17
News, Politics July 21, 2017Hiawassee, GA – Council members assembled at City Hall on Tuesday evening, July 18, to announce the millage rate for 2018, review the budget, and provide an update on moratorium work.
Liz Ordiales, Hiawassee Mayor Pro-Tem, reported the millage rate will remain at 2.258% which will amount to $165,157.00 if everyone within the city’s limits pays their taxes. Ordiales stated the percentage is “dirt bottom” in comparison to other regions with the exception of Blairsville. Blairsville receives additional revenue from their airport.
The most notable change to the moratorium was the adoption of regulation requiring owners of property under an acre to follow the same rules as those with larger parcels. The height restriction remains at 35 feet and a 10 foot easement is necessary to ensure adequate space for neighboring property lines. The updated moratorium in its entirety will be posted on the City’s website.
The General Fund is estimated to generate $714,950.00 in 2017-2018. Total General expenses are proposed at $462,750.00 minus the funding for the Hiawassee Police Department (HPD). HPD’s total revenue was $113,213.29 between July of 2016 and March of 2017 while expenses amounted to $321,419.69.
The cost of funding Hiawassee Police Department is greater than the revenue acquired through the sale of maps and calendars, provision of accident reports, municipal court fines and private contributions.
The 2017-2018 General Fund has been adjusted to avoid a future deficit.
The 2017-2018 budget is itemized in detail on the City’s worksheets and proposed as follows:
Hotel/Motel Fund – $60,000.00
SPLOST Fund – $349,000.00
Water Fund – $1,611,300.00
Sewer Fund – $785,120.00
Water Treatment Fund – $810,220.00
Hiawassee City Council meets on the last Monday of each month for work sessions and assembles for regular sessions on the following Tuesday.