The last public hearing about the proposed millage rate increase was held before the Commissioner’s meeting on August 20.

During citizens comments, Ethan Wolfe addressed the Board. “I understand the increase to one mill. I understand why it’s there. What bothers me a little bit is that half, about half of that is going to be used to pay a roads contract that, at least from my road, hasn’t been worth it. Almost $800,000 spent on that one year contract to do, maintain, all the County dirt roads, and if it’s just to maintain, I get it. That’s a little too much to pay them just to maintain though. They’re supposed to fix some of the problems we have out there.”

Wolfe summed up his perspective. “I am hoping you do not renew it. I’m hoping you can take those funds and either give the employees of this County a better pay raise, or to actually pay people to stay here and work and be a part of public works.”

During the Commissioner’s meeting that followed, Sheriff’s Deputy Joy Sanders was recognized for five years of service as a County employee during recognitions. Cortisa Barthell was also recognized for 10 years of service.

Interim County Administrator Doug Eaves addressed the Board. “We’ve had a recommendation from the recommending authority of the Board of Education to request the County levy the school board millage of 18.057 Mills for the upcoming fiscal year.”

He addressed the public hearings necessary for the increase; “the Board of Commissioners have held the required three public hearings to have, to have an increase of one mill over the rollback rate.”

Eaves summarized the measure. “Be it further resolved that the Sumter County net millage rate for 2024 shall be as follows: 13.150 mills in the unincorporated areas of Sumter County, and in the incorporated cities of Andersonville, Desoto, Leslie, Plains, and Americus.”

Chair David Baldwin entertained a motion to approve the resolution to adopt the new millage rate. Commissioner Jessie Smith made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Mark Waddell, passing unanimously.

Finance director Lomenzo Reddick addressed the Board concerning a new travel policy. “One of the issues that was noted was that the travel policy was simply an email that was that was sent out to all the constituents of the County.”

He mentioned he was tasked with creating “a comprehensive policy that would answer all of the concerns that we’ve had when it comes to how the travel will happen, what type of training will, what type of training will be reimbursed, as well as per diem and all that stuff.”

Rheddick noted changes. “We highlighted the trainings for our different elected officials and constitutional officers. This specifically states that . . . we will pay for any expenses incurred when they’re doing their require trainings.”

He noted another change. “There was [an] issue with odometer readings versus a map. So now, employees that decide to get reimbursed, they have the option to submit an odometer reading, but that should be vetted by their department head.”

Baldwin asked about the use of County vehicles verses personal ones.

Rheddick responded; “because depending on how they’re going to travel, they do have that option, but it is preferred that if a County vehicle is available, that you use a County vehicle.”

For more information about the August 20 meeting, see the companion piece titled Commissioners hear recommendation for yard sale ordinance.