The Habersham County Board of Commissioners held its second of three public hearings on the county’s proposed budget Monday.
While there is no change to the millage rate, property assessments have shown an increased value through the county, reflecting recovery from the 2010 economic crash. Because of these rising property values, some property owners will pay higher taxes this year.
The commission is required by state law to report this as a change in the millage rate, however, the millage rate will remain at 10.994. But with the increased property values Habersham County is experiencing, the millage rate appears as 11.682, per the county’s report.
Budget hikes and cuts
Monday was the second public hearing regarding the increased property tax and proposed FY 2022 budget. The proposed budget includes an overall $3.3 million dollar increase, with major increases to the general government and public safety funds, which increased property values would help cover.
While the total public safety fund has increased by over $1 million, the Habersham County Emergency Management Agency may take a 23 percent ($44,327) cut to their funding. According to Habersham County Finance Director Tim Sims, these public safety budget adjustments are to cover the increases in the salaries of the Habersham Sheriff’s Office and Habersham Fire Services.
The budget also accounts for an increase of over $1 million in general government expenses due to possible increases in wages and benefits for county employees. The county has struggled with a high turnover rate for employees, losing both their county manager and county clerk this year among their overall employee turnover rate of 27 percent.
“Workforce stabilization was a goal for the FY 2022 budget to improve wage and benefit structures to attract and retain trained, professional staff, and reduce turnover rates in county departments,” the county says in their budget proposal. “Economic pressures require us to invest more to recruit and retain personnel with valuable training and experience to ensure a high level of professional service.”
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The county is also looking to bring on four new full-time positions, including a new position in the E-911 department and a new position in the emergency services department. The county is considering three new part-time positions as well.
This will be the first year the county will receive collections from SPLOST VII.
Pickleball courts
The Habersham County Pickleball Club has advocated for a need for designated pickleball courts in the county after working with the Habersham Parks and Recreation department and Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center. Now, they’re coming to the commission for an $87,075 addition to Habersham’s parks and rec facilities to build six designated pickleball courts.
The Pickleball Club says they are willing to raise between $10,000 and $15,000 through advertising and member donations, up to $2,500 dollars monthly in membership fees and between $1,500 and $2,500 annually in tournament sponsorship.
“We are not asking for a handout […] we have offered to contribute to the cost in various different ways,” Peggy Fortson, a member of the pickleball club, tells Now Habersham. “Shouldn’t seniors have an opportunity for physical and social activity through the parks and recreation department? There can easily be found documented stories of how many people’s health has improved since they began playing pickleball– not to mention the [increased] emotional health due to meeting new friends and social opportunities.”
The commission isn’t completely convinced that this is a good investment of government funds, though their attitudes seemed to shift at the meeting when Parks and Recreation Director Kurt Cooper explained the impact pickleball has had within the department, including the monthly membership fees that they pay to the rec center.
“It would be a no-brainer if we’re not charging the taxpayers a dime and if they’re willing to pay for it, because it is a good idea,” Harkness said. Harkness has expressed concerns that funds could be better spent elsewhere, like the Tim Lee Boys and Girls Club in Mt. Airy. The Boys and Girls Club has been added to the proposed budget for the first time with an expense total of $30,000.
The Habersham Pickleball Club says they have brought in funds for the parks and rec department since they began playing in 2015. They estimate that they brought in between $2,000 and $2,500 each month while they only had access to indoor court options.
Fortson thanked commissioners for allowing them to further explain their objective and show specific figures for expected revenue.
“For those fellow taxpayers in our community, we hope they understand we are not asking for a handout of full funding for this project. And we are certain if the community would check out pickleball, those who are currently lacking opportunities for physical or social activities would quickly realize the value of meeting new people and benefit from physical activity.”
The commission tabled a vote on the courts and plans to revisit this issue during their August meeting after the Pickleball Club has had time to begin the fundraising they have offered to pay for the courts.
To view the recorded live stream of the meeting, click here.
This article has been updated with additional comments
