Grady continues budget talks; tax increase likely

Published 12:59 pm Friday, June 23, 2017

CAIRO — In the second round of budget talks for Grady County, the county administrator noted a “significant” tax increase is likely. 

Grady Administrator Carlos Tobar told the Board of Commissioners of the possible increase in ad valorem taxes during the second budget workshop on Tuesday. 

Along with noting the increase, the administrator updated the commissioners on the second wave of requested department budgets. 

The county’s Emergency Medical Services budget is requesting three additional full-time emergency medical technicians.  

Director Rodney Gordon said calls went up “tremendously” this year.  

“He’s (Gordon) projected to generate almost $100,000 more than what we budgeted this year,” Tobar said. 

Tobar also noted the increased EMS revenue from this year could go toward a new EMS truck. 

Two different scenarios for the county’s solid waste budget were discussed. 

The first, with seven consolidated sites, could result in at least a mill increase. A $195,500 expenditure for site upgrades was budgeted. The second scenario left the county’s solid waste as is. 

Tobar said his recommendation for solid waste would be to eliminate all the dumpsters within a certain mile radius of the 20th Street collection site, and see how it works for a year. 

“Let’s keep our eye on it and keep it alive,” Commissioner T.D. David said of the solid waste program. 

The commissioners have not taken official action toward the solid waste program. 

Other notable budget requests included a 6 percent pay increase for shop mechanics and a $50,000 expenditure for Clerk of Courts office expansion and renovation. 

Budget requests for code enforcement, buildings and grounds, volunteer fire department, animal control, and Tired Creek also were discussed. 

On Friday, Tobar told the Times-Enterprise a half mill increase is substantial and he is looking at different areas to try to reduce a possible increase. 

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.