About The Jenkins County times. (Millen, Ga.) 2023-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 9, 2023)
> Announcing Pigskin Pick’em Page 9 Page 7 Comics, Crosswords, & Sudoku Page 8 • 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
