About The Jenkins County times. (Millen, Ga.) 2023-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 11, 2024)
Vol 2 No 4-0 December 11, 2024- Quality News That Affects You Milieu, Georgia $1.2 5 cn oo LD Cl c o 00 o 00 LD "sf 1^- Millen Woman Arrested for Alleged Identity Fraud Millen Police Investigate Sunday Night Shooting, Suspect in Custody Georgia Implements Statewide Floating Homestead Exemption Through HB 581 -Joe Brady. Editor Cartina Marie Hankerson On December 2, the Millen Police Department arrested 43-year- old Cartina Marie Hankerson of Millen on two counts of identity fraud. The arrest followed an investigation revealing that Hankerson used another individual’s personal information to access a mobile banking app. Police reports indicate that Hankerson allegedly created an account and accessed the app using the victim’s identifying details. She then generated online checks from the victim’s bank account, defrauding them of their funds. Hankerson was taken into custody at her home without incident and transported to the Jenkins County Jail. Chief Dwayne Herrington highlighted the seriousness of identity theft, stating, “The effects of stolen identities have long-lasting impacts that may take years and prove costly to resolve. The Millen Police Department is committed to identifying theft and fraud and arresting those who commit the crime.” Authorities urge residents to protect their personal information and remain vigilant against suspicious activity. This arrest underscores the importance of preventing identity theft and holding offenders accountable. Hankerson’s case is expected to proceed through the legal system, where she will face charges for the alleged crimes. Meanwhile, the Millen Police Department reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding the community from fraud and financial exploitation. -Joe Brady. Editor Shortly after midnight on Sunday, December 8, officers with the Millen Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at 236 Georgia Avenue. Upon a r r i v a t , Michael Jerome Sapp officers discovered a 34-year-old male suffering from gunshot wounds to his leg and arm. The victim was transported to the Jenkins County Medical Center for treatment. His identity has not been released, and his current condition remains undisclosed. Through swift investigation, authorities identified the suspect as 44-year-old Michael Jerome Sapp of Millen. While officers were still on the scene, Sapp turned himself in at the Jenkins County Jail without incident. Sapp now faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and discharge of a firearm on or near a public highway. He is being held in the Jenkins County Jail as he awaits court proceedings. The Millen Police Department continues to investigate the incident and urges anyone with additional information to come forward. 920 Cattle Co. Grand Opening: A Celebration of Legacy and Innovation The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for 920 Cattle Co., formerly Fries Frozen Foods, was a day filled with celebration, community pride, and a nod to both tradition and progress. Jarrod and Becca Creasy, the visionaries serving families across the region. “The Fries building has always been a part of the story here in Millen,” said Rep. Rick Allen. “To see it revitalized and expanded is nothing short of inspiring.” Building the Future Now operating as 920 Cattle Co., the site has been reimagined with the addition of a cutting-edge facility, showcasing the Creasys’ commitment to innovation and growth. Designed to meet modem standards, the expansion represents a fusion of agriculture, technology, and entrepreneurship, ensuring the business can thrive in today’s competitive marketplace. Jarrod and Becca Creasy expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming community support, emphasizing the importance of preserving the area’s heritage while forging ahead with new opportunities. “This is more than just a business for us,” said Jarrod Creasy. “It’s about honoring the legacy of what came before and building something that will serve our community for generations to come.” A Community United The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by a host of local dignitaries, neighbors, and friends, all eager to witness the next step in Millen’s journey. From heartfelt speeches to guided tours of the new facility, the day highlighted the unity and determination of the town to embrace progress while celebrating its roots. behind this transformative venture, were joined by local leaders, community members, and business supporters to mark the beginning of a new chapter for the iconic property. Honoring the Past The original Fries Frozen Foods building, a cornerstone of Millen’s history since its establishment in 1948, remains a symbol of resilience and community spirit. Once a thriving hub for food storage and distribution, the facility was known for its significant contribution to the local economy and its role in -Joe Brady.Editor -Joe Brady, Editor Georgia homeowners will soon benefit from a statewide floating homestead exemption, thanks to the implementation of House Bill 581 (HB 581), which takes effect January 1, 2025. The legislation aims to ease property tax burdens by mitigating the impact of market-driven increases in property values. What is a Floating Homestead Exemption? A floating homestead exemption is designed to offset property tax increases caused by inflation. Unlike traditional exemptions, which provide a fixed reduction in taxable value, a floating exemption adjusts annually to account for rising property values. For example, if a homeowner’s property was valued at $100,000 in a base year and increased to $110,000 the following year, the exemption would cover the $10,000 difference, ensuring taxes are calculated based on the original $100,000 value. How HB 581 Works HB 581 introduces a unique floating homestead exemption with an inflationary adjustment tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). For homes receiving the exemption starting in 2025, the base year will be 2024. For subsequent years, the base year will correspond to the prior year’s assessed value. Key features of HB 581 include: •Annual CPI Adjustments: The exemption adjusts annually based on inflation, ensuring manageable tax increases. •Automatic Application: Homeowners already receiving a homestead exemption will automatically qualify for the floating exemption. •Non- Homesteaded Properties: Commercial properties and non- homesteaded properties will continue to be taxed at fair market value. •Complement to Existing Exemptions: The new exemption does not replace existing local exemptions, offering taxpayers the most beneficial option available. Local Government Opt-Out Provisions Local governments, including counties, cities, and school boards, may choose to opt out of the HB 581 exemption. To do so, they must: •Advertise and hold three public hearings. •Adopt and file a resolution with the Secretary of State by March 1, 2025. Failure to meet these requirements means the exemption automatically applies. Opting out is irreversible after the March 1, 2025, deadline. Implications for Property Taxes By capping annual increases in taxable property values at the inflation rate, HB 581 aims to provide long-term stability for homeowners. However, homes with substantial improvements or sales will see the exemption reset to reflect new values. Local Sales Tax Revisions In addition to property tax relief, HB 581 revises Georgia’s local sales tax structure: •New Sales Tax for Property Tax Relief: A local option sales tax can be levied in increments up to 1%, exclusively for reducing property taxes. •Tax Eligibility: Counties and cities must have a floating homestead exemption in place to levy this tax. •Duration and Renewal: The tax can run for up to five years, with renewal requiring voter approval. Next Steps for Homeowners and Local Governments With HB 581 set to take effect, homeowners need take no action to benefit from the exemption. Local governments, however, must decide whether to participate in the exemption or opt out before the March 2025 deadline. “This legislation marks a significant step toward providing relief to Georgia homeowners while maintaining flexibility for local governments,” said a spokesperson for the bill's sponsors. Homeowners and policymakers alike will monitor the implementation of HB 581 as it reshapes property taxation across the state. pa/s fff Chris^Mas/ JENKINS COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER www.jenkinsmedicalcenter.com Schedule your CT with the newest technology in the US. JCMC has invested in the FTC iStream CT Scanner to bring you the best image quality and more. Faster Lower Dose Comfortable Exquisite Images
