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• MILLEN • PERKINS • RED HILL • SCARBORO • BUTTS • EMMALANE • THRIFT • BIRDSVILLE • FOUR POINTS •
Vol l No 23 August 9, 2023 Quality News That Affects You Millen, Georgia $1.25
SHOP
LOCAL
EAT
LOCAL
Jenkins County School System Faces
Tax Increase Amid Property Value
Reassessments
JENKINS COUNTY - Residents of
Jenkins County are facing a potential tax
increase following a recent property value
reassessment. Each year, the Board of
Tax Assessors reviews the assessed value
of taxable property within the county for
property tax purposes. The latest assessment
saw property values surge, leading to the
computation of a rollback millage rate.
However, Georgia law mandates that school
systems maintain a minimum equivalent
millage rate to receive Equalization Funding,
and failing to do so could result in a loss of
significant state funding.
The suggested rollback millage rate due to
the property value reassessment is 13.259 mills. This rate, while intended to mitigate the impact of rising
property values, falls short of the minimum equivalent millage rate required by Georgia law. Under OCGA
20-2-165, school systems must maintain a minimum equivalent millage rate of 14 mills for maintenance and
operations property tax to secure Equalization Funding from the state. Failure to meet this requirement could
lead to a substantial financial setback for the Jenkins County School System.
Since 2018, the Jenkins County School System has received over $2.8 million in Equalization Funds, which
is an integral part of the state funding formula for school systems. Losing this funding could mean a yearly
shortfall of nearly $600,000 for the school system, potentially impacting educational programs and resources.
To comply with the legal requirements, the Jenkins County Board of Education plans to roll back the millage
rate to 14.375 mills. While this rate is the lowest for the Board of Education since 2014, it will still result in a
small tax increase for residents. For instance, the average home with a fair market value of $125,000 can expect
the school tax portion of their property tax bill to increase by $56.
The tax increase is partially attributed to the Jenkins County School System facing rising expenses. The
skyrocketing cost of healthcare, the increasing expenses for teacher retirement, and rising food costs have led
to over $1 million in additional expenses compared to previous years. In response, the school system is making
efforts to cut costs through attrition of faculty and staff and the consolidation of job duties.
Considering these changes. Superintendent Dr. John Paul Hearn and the members of the Board of Education
are inviting residents to attend one of the public hearings scheduled for August 21st at 9:00 am at the board
office, August 21st at 6:00 pm at the school, or August 28th at 4:00 pm at the board office. These hearings will
provide an opportunity for community members to voice their concerns and opinions regarding the proposed
millage rate and its implications.
Residents are encouraged to actively participate in the public hearings or, if the scheduled dates are not
convenient, to contact the board office at 982-6000 or email jheam@jchs.com to arrange a meeting with Dr.
Heam.
As the school system grapples with these financial challenges, community engagement and input will play a
cmcial role in shaping the future of education in Jenkins County. The board and school administrators remain
committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for the students and residents they serve.
Jenkins County property values may
decline in proximity to landfills
By Jessica Herrmann, Special Contributor
for
The Times
Jenkins County - Jenkins
County's real estate market has
seen a remarkable evolution
over the past five years, with
property values experiencing
an impressive 63% increase
from January 2018 to July 2018
and that from January 2023 to
July 2023. However, amidst this
boom, concerns over the potential
impact of a nearby landfill on
property values have been a topic
of discussion among residents
and potential homebuyers.
A recent investigation into the
correlation between landfills
and property values has shown
that there is no definitive answer.
Studies suggest that property
values can decrease anywhere
from 5% to 15%, depending on
factors such as the landfill's size
and proximity to properties. No
research has indicated an increase
in property values near a landfill.
The surge in property values
has brought immense joy to
Jenkins County homeowners,
significantly enhancing their
overall net worth. A key
contributing factor to this
appreciation is the delicate
balance between supply and
demand in the housing market.
The public's perception of any
potential negative
impacts, like the presence
of a landfill, can play a
crucial role in shaping
the local housing market
and affecting property
values.
When potential
homebuyers worry about
the landfill's potential
consequences, it may
lead to reduced demand,
and homeowners looking
to sell their properties could face
significant losses, potentially
losing thousands of dollars. Thus,
the public's perception of the
landfill's impact plays a critical
role in determining the direction
of the housing market in Jenkins
County.
Despite concerns, Jenkins
County has remained an
attractive destination for potential
homebuyers. The region offers
reasonably priced homes and
a laid-back, peaceful country
lifestyle, making it an appealing
choice for those seeking a
relaxed living experience. As a
result, more and more people are
choosing Jenkins County as their
home, which has contributed
to the substantial increase in
property values.
As a veteran in the real estate
industry and a 20-year resident of
Jenkins County, I take immense
pride in witnessing this surge
in property values. It brings me
great joy to see more people
choosing Jenkins County as
their home. Helping individuals
find their dream homes in this
beautiful area is truly rewarding.
While the exact decrease in
property values due to a landfill
remains uncertain, residents
and potential homebuyers are
encouraged to consider this
factor when evaluating properties.
As homes are often the most
significant investment individuals
make, thorough research and
understanding of any potential
See PROPERTY page 6
Monica Broxton
Wins $250 Classroom
Giveaway by Southland
Realty & Properties,
LLC
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
Monica Broxton has been named the fortunate recipient of the highly
anticipated $250 classroom giveaway by Southland Realty & Properties,
LLC. The contest, organized by the esteemed real estate firm, aimed to
support educators and schools in the local community.
As the winner, Monica Broxton, an enthusiastic and dedicated teacher,
was overjoyed to learn of her victory. "I couldn't believe it when I
received the news," she exclaimed with delight. "This prize will go a
long way in enhancing the learning experience for my students. I am
incredibly grateful to Southland Realty for their generous initiative."
MONICA BROXTON & JESS
The $250 classroom giveaway was part of Southland Realty's ongoing
commitment to give back to the community and support education.
Jessica Wilson, the Broker/Owner of Southland Realty & Properties,
expressed her heartfelt congratulations to Monica and her appreciation
to all those who participated in the giveaway. "We received an
overwhelming response from educators and schools in the area," Wilson
said. "It is heartening to see the passion and dedication of teachers like
Monica, and we are delighted to contribute to their efforts."
Southland Realty & Properties, LLC, has always been an active
supporter of community initiatives, and this giveaway was just one of
the many ways they strive to make a positive impact. Their dedication
to nurturing strong community bonds has earned them a reputation as
one of the most respected real estate firms s ee BROXTON page 7
Coach Ford Honors Alma
Mater in Oral History
Proj ect
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
MILLEN - James A. Ford, a
beloved figure in Millen and
known as "Milo" on the campus
of Savannah State University
(formerly known as Savannah
State College), has been given a
special opportunity to share his
educational journey. Coach Ford,
as he is affectionately called in
his hometown, has been selected
to contribute an article for the
inaugural edition of IN My Words,
The Oral History Project, where
he will delve into his experiences
during his time at Savannah State
College.
A proud graduate of the Class
of 1972, James A. Ford cherishes
his alma mater, and it holds a
special place in his heart. During
his time at Savannah State
See COACH page 6
James A. "Coach" Ford
